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Three things we learned from Tottenham draw as fans lose patience with struggling Thomas Frank
Here are three things Standard Sport learned from Spurs’ stalemate…
Tottenham’s identity crisis deepens
Tottenham are notoriously slow starters under Thomas Frank – in the Premier League this season, no side has recorded fewer shots or shots on target in the first half of matches than Spurs.
Last weekend’s victory at Crystal Palace extended Spurs’ excellent away record – no team has taken more points on the road than them this season – but ultimately, it was an imperfect performance that did little to lay out a blueprint for Frank’s style.
Spurs remain in the throes of an identity crisis, and they did not offer any encouragement against Brentford that a new year will bring with it fresh optimism.
Thomas Frank seems to be struggling to get his message across
REUTERS
A forgettable opening 45 minutes saw Tottenham register just one shot on target and nine touches in the the Bees’ box.
Brentford, for all their dominance, did not fare much better in attack, but their expectations are different to Spurs – the Bees are reacting to a summer of upheaval, while Spurs have aspirations to qualify for Europe.
There was slightly more intent from Spurs immediately after the break, but that soon subsided with Brentford enjoying the better of the chances.
Frank, booed by sections of the away support as he went to thank them at full-time, is struggling to win over supporters with his style of play and is backing himself into a corner.
His efficient style is not easy on the eyes, and without the backing of the fans, there is little for the Dane to fall back on as he fights to save his job.
Archie Gray must improve despite Frank’s backing
Archie Gray was the matchwinner against Crystal Palace last weekend, scoring his first senior goal to seal a vital three points.
His performance at Selhurst Park, however, was not without its issues, and Frank criticised the teenager, saying he had to show more in possession.
Gray has the trust of his manager and started for the fifth league game in a row against Brentford, but he struggled to command authority on the ball in a bitty game.
Archie Gray endured another chastening outing
REUTERS
Spurs were crying out for someone to take charge of a scruffy encounter, but Gray, heavily linked with a move to Brentford before making the switch to Spurs, looked out of ideas.
The former Leeds man had the fewest touches of any outfield player to have started the game, and despite looking to play the safe option in possession, he still managed to misplace six of his 21 passes. His 71 per cent pass completion rate was the second-lowest of any outfield player for Spurs.
Gray has been name checked by Frank, who spoke at length to the Englishman at full-time, as the future of Spurs’ midfield, but the 19-year-old still has plenty to learn if he is to develop into a midfielder capable of dominating games.
Despite coming away with a second successive clean sheet on the road, Cristian Romero was left thankful to his team-mates and Brentford’s lack of attacking intent that his uncertain performance went unpunished.
Returning from a one-game suspension, Romero was restored to a settled defensive unit, but up against Igor Thiago’s physicality, he seemed unsure of himself.
Cristian Romero was lucky to get off scot-free for a clumsy tackle on Igor Thiago
REUTERS
No player committed more fouls than Romero, and he was lucky to get away with a really poor challenge as Thiago threatened to break free from him. This was a performance not all that uncommon for a player of wild inconsistencies.
There continue to be questions about Romero, whose appointment as captain seems more and more to be a decision borne from necessity than any standout leadership qualities, and back in the side, he struggled to assert himself.
Frank will continue to back Romero – he has little other choice – but there is certainly a conversation to be had about his long-term future at the club in the summer, despite signing a long-term deal at the start of the season.
