Thomas Frank got it horribly wrong with decision that cost Tottenham in lucky Wolves draw
Thomas Frank can be afforded immense credit for the start that he has made at Tottenham.
While many doubted whether the Dane had the gumption to step up from Brentford, he already looks at home at a bigger club.
However, there have been a couple of concerning results, with Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Wolves highlighting that there is still substantial work to be done.
Indeed, there was one decision Frank made that must be questioned, given the strength of the opposition.
Thomas Frank paired Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur
Palhinha may have stolen the show against Wolves, but does the Portugal international need another defensive midfielder alongside him?
Against sides like PSG and Man City, this is an understandable approach, but for a home encounter with the Premier League’s worst side, I think not.
Palhinha and Bentancur started the Premier League match in front of the back four and behind Lucas Bergvall, offering increased protection.
In the first half, the Lilywhites were the team in the ascendancy, but struggled to create many clear chances, highlighting the need for more creativity.
Mohammed Kudus was the man striving to deliver a cutting cross, but no Tottenham player could get on the end of his deliveries.
However, if Frank had opted to play just one of his defensive-midfielders, namely Palhinha, then it would have set Spurs free in the attacking third.
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham decision hampered his attacking talent
Frank will shuffle his options for Bodo/Glimt and must take the game to the Norwegian minnows on Tuesday night.
Indeed, a Champions League affair against a weaker team should allow the Dane to tinker and field more attacking players.
By fielding two defensive-midfielders with Bergvall ahead, it meant that Xavi Simons was once again played out left, where he did little to inspire.
Indeed, Simons created just one key chance and did not register a single shot in his near-70 minutes on the field. His 82 per cent passing accuracy was impressive, but there was little to show for that.
If Frank had played him centrally, then that would have allowed Brennan Johnson, who has delivered admirable numbers already, to play on the left.
Yes, Wolves played well, and they possess a stellar record against the Lilywhites, but Tottenham are expected to conquer these types of teams, not struggle to draw with them.
- Spurs (0.88) had a lower xG than Wolves (1)
- Both sides had three shots on target
- The Lilywhites (10) had one more shot on target than Wolves (9)
Tottenham’s next three Premier League opponents are Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Everton, all of whom are beatable.
If Frank fields an attacking team against Bodo/Glimt and it works, then it would be encouraging to see him play the same way against his upcoming league rivals.
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