PSG (Super Cup Final)
8/10 - Tottenham 2-2 Paris St Germain
It all began on the grand stage of the UEFA Super Cup final, and what better way to test your team than by facing the reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain. With structure and high-press on the agenda, Thomas Frank showcased his tactical adaptability on the night; opting for a compact 5-3-2 instead of his usual 4-3-3 formation. Sending shockwaves through the French giants, Spurs suffocated Luis Enrique's side by taking the lead through Van De Ven in the 39th minute, before captain Cristian Romero doubled their advantage.
Despite looking so defensively resolute, a brilliant finish from Lee Kang-In arrowed into the corner, before Goncalo Ramos levelled in the dying embers of the match. Missing out marginally on penalties was a devastating blow, but such a performance against world champions so early in Thomas Frank's tenure has to be credited.
Burnley (H)
8.5/10 - Tottenham 3-0 Burnley
The weekend of August 16th marked the eagerly anticipated start of Premier League season, and Tottenham kicked off in style. Three goals, a clean-sheet, and a potential Goal of The Month contender already; the campaign was off to a flying start.
Tottenham's dominant performance was capped off by three superb goals, with new signing for Mohammed Kudus enjoying an excellent start to life at Spurs.
Taking the game to Burnley early on, Kudus eased past Josh Cullen to setup his Brazilian counterpart Richarlison, who, on the swivel, turned and fired spurs in front inside ten minutes. Turning provider once again, the Ghanian produced a brilliant flip-flap to glide past his man and find Richarlison with another pinpoint cross. Connecting sweetly, the striker pulled off an audacious overhead kick to double Tottenham's lead. Recreating his infamous World Cup moment, it was a spectacular start to the season for the number 9. Moments before the full-time whistle, substitute Brennan Johnson added the icing on the cake; deftly chipping home to seal Tottenham's 3-0 opening day victory.
🇧🇷💥 Richarlison (28) vs Burnley. Wow. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/WDy0dqeRyX
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 16, 2025
Manchester City (A)
9.5/10 - Manchester City 0-2 Tottenham
There's no easy game in the Premier League, and while Thomas Frank got off to an impressive league start with a home win against Burnley, backing that up with a victory against Manchester City proved a true statement of intent. Consolidating Tottenham's opening day success with a win at the Etihad was a huge feat in the Danes early tenure.
A complete performance, the victory was encapsulated by a fine balance of high press, defensive structure and togetherness both on and off the ball. Sarr shone as an effervescent figure in midfield, tireless across the full 90 minutes, while Joao Palhinha made his presence felt with a marauding defensive display.
Bournemouth (H)
2/10- Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth
Crashing back down to earth, Tottenham's performance on the 30th August delivered a sharp reality check to the Lilywhites. Thomas Frank's impressive start to life at Tottenham came to an unceremonious end with a home defeat to Bournemouth. Evanilson gave the visitors the lead with a deflected shot off Cristian Romero that sailed over the helpless onlooking Guglielmo Vicario.
Lucky not to lose by more, Lucas Bergvall registered Tottenham's first shot on target in the 68th minute, in what can only be described as a spineless attacking performance from the hosts.
Thomas Frank reflected on the game, admitting to have got it wrong after a disappointing Tottenham performance. Hear from the Spurs manager below:
“No excuse, we should do better”
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 30, 2025
Thomas Frank on the loss to Bournemouth 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/msUhVGSudE
West Ham (A)
7/10- West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
Eager to bounce back, Tottenham took full advantage of a West Ham red card, as saw Tomas Soucek saw the red mist descend in the 54th minute. Albeit a slow first-half, Tottenham made West Ham pay in a dominant second half performance.
A brilliant Lucas Bergvall display sparked Spurs into life, as the young Swede sent a superb looping header over Hermansen to double Tottenham's lead. Micky Van De Ven put the icing on the cake, converting from the second phase of yet another threatening corner routine. An impressive day at the office overall from Thomas Frank's Tottenham, who regained momentum with a commanding display.
Villarreal (H)
5.5/10- Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
Winning by just one goal on the night, Tottenham's opener came in fortuitous fashion early in the match. Taking the lead after just four minutes, many would have expected Tottenham to push on with further goals at home. Instead, what unfolded was a passive performance marked by a clear lack of creativity in the final third.
On unlocking creativity, Thomas Frank reassured fans that the players need time to gel. Referring to on-pitch relationships, he pointed to Kudus and Porro as well as Simons and Spence. Speaking about the relationship on the right side, Frank said: "Pedro and Kudus, they definitely have something going. I think Lucas came over to that side, it looks right." In contrast, the Dane was more critical about the linkup down the left side but called for patience. "On the left side Xavi and Djed, good against West Ham, but it's not 100% in sync yet, for example when things aren't flowing."
Despite a lacklustre attacking performance, Tottenham's compact defensive unit limited Villarreal to just 0.53xG, as the visitors failed to register a single shot on target.
Brighton (A)
5/10- Brighton Hove Albion 2-2 Tottenham
Spurs looked destined to suffer a first Premier League away defeat of the Thomas Frank era, until Richarlison halved the deficit and a late Van Hecke own goal salvaged a point.
Starting brightly and in the ascendancy, Spurs somehow found themselves two goals behind at the interval. Caught out on the counter-attack, Fabian Hürzeler's game plan worked to a tee. Despite controlling the lion's share of possession, it wasn't until two minutes of short of the break that Mohammed Kudus registered Tottenham's first shot on target.
In the 61st minute, Thomas Frank turned to new signing Xavi Simons in search of a creative spark. The Dutchman made an instant impact, forcing Bart Verbruggen into immediate action.
Battling back from two goals down and leaving the American Express Stadium with a point highlights Tottenham's new found grit and determination, but performances will need to improve if Spurs are to continue picking up points.
Doncaster (H)
7/10- Tottenham 3-0 Doncaster
Tottenham steamrolled past Doncaster in the third round of the EFL Cup, with goals from Joao Palhinha, Brennan Johnson, and own goal from McGrath ensuring a dominant victory.
Showing strength in depth, Thomas Frank made seven changes from the side that drew to Brighton, and Spurs' much changed side certainly didn't disappoint. A comprehensive performance from start to finish, Tottenham cruised into the 4th round of the EFL Cup.
Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert posed a constant threat on the wings, while Joao Palhinha seamlessly slotted in at centre-back. In what was a proud moment for the club and a testament to its pathway to the first team, Thomas Frank had the privilege of handing Luca Williams-Barnett his first taste of senior football in the 87th minute.
Wolves (H)
3/10- Tottenham 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
There's no easy games in the Premier League, but hosting a Wolves side still searching for their first top-flight win of the season seemed like a fixture that Tottenham would have hoped to control. What unfolded, however, was far from Spurs dominance, as the visitors stifled their attacking threat and created several chances of their own.
Tottenham looked flat, particularly in the second half, and the growing inability to carve out opportunities is becoming increasingly apparent. The midfield lacks creativity, the wingers are failing to deliver, and the strikers are unable to arrive and make the impact.
The only solace from the match for Tottenham will have been the ability to grind out a draw despite of a poor performance. Joao Palhinha fired home late on, with a sweetly struck sidefoot half-volley that flew passed Johnstone and into the corner. Beyond that moment of quality, there was little to write home about from this Spurs display.
"I'm not happy at all, to be honest!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 27, 2025
Joao Palhinha isn't satisfied with Spurs' draw against Wolves, despite scoring a dramatic late equaliser 👀 pic.twitter.com/C9sWb74JvD
Bodo Glimt (A)
4.5/10- Bodo Glimt 2-2 Tottenham
The second game in our Champions League campaign proved to be a testing encounter, as we struggled to impose our rhythm on the game, particularly in transition. Bodo exploited the lines, as their energy exposed gaps between defence in midfield. Jens Hauge, in particular, proved a constant menace for full-back Pedro Porro. The young winger repeatedly threatened, as he cut inside dangerously onto his right foot. His persistent eventually paid off, as he gave Norwegian hosts the lead before doubling their advantage in the second-half.
Set-pieces once again proved vital for Spurs. Even after a Tottenham free-kick goal was ruled out, Van De Ven rose highest to head home and halve the deficit. A late own goal then spared Spurs' blushes, ensuring we headed back to London with a fortunate point despite an underwhelming performance.
Perhaps Tottenham missed captain Cuti Romero, whose composure and ability to play out from the back are integral to our build-up. This time however, the performance certainly didn't match the result. Ineffective in possession and too open without the ball, Tottenham were lucky to escape with a draw. However, in this Champions League format, that single point could still prove crucial when qualification comes into play.
Bodo/Glimt (2.91) 2-2 (1.55) Tottenham/Spurs
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) September 30, 2025
Leeds United (A)
7.5/10- Leeds United 1-2 Tottenham
Astonishingly, Tottenham had lost last their previous seven matches before the mid-season international break. Against Leeds, however, they finally ended the curse with a 2-1 away victory.
Never an easy place to travel to, a victory felt like an important statement of intent at just the right time. Somewhat fortuitously, both Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus saw deflected strikes find the net, but they all count in what could prove to be a seismic win in Tottenham's league campaign.
Leeds threatened on goal even after Noah Okafor's equaliser, but a superb performance from Guglielmo Vicario guided Tottenham to victory. It wasn't the most fluent performance, but Tottenham dug in deep. On this occasion, it seemed like the result mattered far more than the display itself, as we headed in to the international break.
Aston Villa (H)
3/10- Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa
Back from the international break, Tottenham might have been wishing it had lasted a little longer after a dismal performance at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Aston Villa.
Thomas Frank received a setback just before the warmup, as club captain Cristian Romero suffered an injury and was replaced by Kevin Danso in the starting line-up. A big miss, but simply no excuse for what followed.
Tottenham came storming out of the blocks, as Bentancur broke the deadlock after just five minutes. From then on, it was all downhill for the hosts. The visitors scored two superb efforts in the match. The first came from Rogers, who equalised after a misplaced Xavi Simons pass. He fired a spectacular shot into the top corner with an exquisite finish. Villa then executed a pinpoint counter-attack for their second of the match. Matty Cash sprayed a wonderfully weighted 50 yard cross-field switch to Digne who took it down with aplomb, before playing a pass into the path of Buendia. Finishing with finesse, Emiliano Buendia curled a beautiful left footed shot low and into the far corner, as it sailed past the helpless Vicario.
The visitors were perhaps fortunate to claim victory, but Spurs failed to control the game on home soil and can only blame themselves for defeat.
Monaco (A)
3.5/10- Monaco 0-0 Tottenham
Tottenham's first away game in the Champions League was a case of result over performance, as Thomas Frank's men scraped the club's first 0-0 draw in 959 days. A pragmatic performance, Tottenham lacked the creativity and tempo to really test the hosts.
Thomas Frank rotated his side once again, with fixture coming thick and fast. Opting for Archie Gray at left-back and pairing Palhinha and Bentancur in a double-pivot, Spurs lacked creativity on the night. With the midfield unable to feed a front line starved of possession, the wingers were wasteful with the few chances that did come their way. Crosses failed to beat the first man and moments of incisive interplay were few and far between.
In recent weeks, Thomas Frank has had his Tottenham team organised and resolute. On the night however, it was Vicario who bailed Tottenham out time and time again. The hero at the Stade Louis stadium, Vicario became the first ever goalkeeper to receive and Opta 10 rating!
🇮🇹 | History made
— Sofascore Football (@SofascoreINT) October 22, 2025
Guglielmo Vicario v Monaco:
🧤 8 saves
📥 8 saved shots from inside the box
✋ 2.68 Goals prevented
🏃 1/1 successful run out
✈️ 1 high claim
📈 10 Sofascore Rating
The first-ever Italian with a perfect 🔟 Sofascore Rating in a #UCL match! 👏👏#ASMTOT pic.twitter.com/UUOrvbFDuB
Everton (A)
7.5/10- Everton 0-3 Tottenham
Tottenham inflicted Everton's first defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with set-pieces coming up trumps yet again for Spurs. A delightful double from Micky Van De Ven put Spurs in the driving seat, before Pape Matar Sarr came off the bench to seal the win late on.
Thomas Frank showcased his tactical adaptability early in his tenure, opting for a 5-3-2 over usual 4-3-3 against PSG. Another example of Frank's tactical nous came as he set his side up in 4-2-2-2 against Everton. Kudus took up a central position beside Kolo Muani, creating space on the wing for Brennan Johnson to operate in. Tottenham were compact defensively, with the double-pivot of Palhinha and Bentancur shielding the back four impeccably.
The defence itself was immense. Micky Van De Ven's contributions didn't stop with his brace, as he used his pace and positioning expertly throughout. His partner, Kevin Danso was unstoppable on the night, making 17 clearances in one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt.
The attacking fluidity is still clearly lacking, but set-pieces are becoming an important part of Thomas Frank's armoury. The Dane had challenged Micky Van De Ven to score more set-piece goals earlier in the season against West Ham, and the Dutchman certainly delivered. It wasn't an flawless free-flowing attacking display, but it was another important three points for a Tottenham side who are finding ways to grind out results and navigate difficult away trips. Thomas Frank's men sit top of the league on away form, remaining unbeaten on the road so far.
Newcastle (A)
4/10- Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham
In their first away defeat of the season, Tottenham crashed out of the Carabao Cup, falling 2-0 to Newcastle at St. James' Park. Fabian Schär opened the scoring for the hosts amid furious Tottenham protests. Captain Pedro Porro and his teammates surrounded referee Craig Kavanagh. Sandro Tonali took Newcastle's corner as soon as Djed Spence got up after tying his laces, a move Tottenham felt was unjust. Unmoved, Kavanagh booked Richarlison for dissent before pointing to the centre-circle to award the goal.
Nick Woltemade doubled the lead for the Geordies after a mistake from Antonin Kinsky, who completely misjudged his attempt to claim the ball. Spurs carved out chances of their own as they progressed through the thirds to moderate success, but the final product was missing on the night. Richarlison found himself in good positions inside the box, yet failed to convert on multiple occasions. Newcastle stifled Tottenham's final third threat on the night, as the current Carabao Cup champions sent Spurs back to London empty-handed.
OVERALL - 6/10
Thomas Frank has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Tottenham, announcing himself with an impressive performance against PSG in the Super Cup, followed by a comprehensive opening-day Premier League victory against Burnley and a statement win on the road against Manchester City. Early signs suggested a bright season for the Lilywhites, but warning signs have since emerged.
It's undeniable that Thomas Frank is implementing positive foundations at Tottenham, but the lack of free-flowing attacking football is a growing concern. Defensive solidity has been a welcome change since after the defensive frailties of Ange Postecoglou's Spurs, however Tottenham are a club whose identity has been built on attacking football, an emphasis that simply must return.
Frank has long placed emphasis on set-pieces throughout his career, recognising the importance of fine margins and minute details in the elite game. "It's such a key element, you need to get it right all the time if you want to achieve something," he said.
Aware of his side's shortcomings, Frank acknowledged Tottenham's need for greater attacking creativity. “I’m very happy with a lot of things: the defensive side, attacking set-pieces – but there is a bit we need to work on offensively to be more free-flowing."
With new signings still bedding in, Spurs are lacking the attacking creativity that many hoped Xavi Simons would provide. The summer transfer window also saw the arrival of Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus, while Thomas Frank himself is still settling into life at Tottenham. Missing key players such as Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison out with injury, Frank will need time to fully develop the solid foundations that he's building in N17.
Unbeaten in the Champions League and sitting third in the Premier League, it's difficult to be overly critical of Frank's start. The challenge ahead lies in weaving that attacking flair into the team's fabric without unravelling the defensive structure that he's already forged.
