Tottenham's Promising Evolution Under Thomas Frank
It is refreshing to witness teams like Bournemouth and Sunderland exceeding expectations at the top of the Premier League, and Tottenham Hotspur is certainly among those overachievers.
While there have been some disappointing performances under Thomas Frank, particularly at home, it was clear that transitioning this squad into his vision would not be an easy task. Few Spurs supporters would have anticipated their current position in third place.
Despite some ongoing criticism from fans, particularly regarding a perceived lack of creativity in open play, it's important to recognize that progress takes time. The glaring issues from last season, such as conceding too many goals and being too easy to play against, were likely the first challenges Frank aimed to address upon his arrival at Tottenham.
He has made noticeable improvements; the 'Thomas Frank effect' is evident in their organized defensive structure and proficiency in set-pieces.
At times, the team has appeared somewhat one-dimensional in their attacking approach, often relying on moments of brilliance from players like Mohammed Kudus to create opportunities. However, I anticipate an enhancement in their attacking play with the return of injured players, including Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, and, in the longer term, James Maddison.
While the season has not been flawless, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding Frank's work, along with much to look forward to. Tottenham appears to have one of the strongest squads they have had in years, accumulating points even without top performances and holding a favorable position in the league as reinforcements approach.
It is still early in the season, but Frank has made an impressive start in revitalizing a squad that had lost confidence, and there is plenty more to come.
Tottenham's Evolving Identity
Fans appreciate a team with a clear identity, and I can already discern one forming under Frank after fewer than ten league games. Currently, Spurs are a well-drilled side with a strong work ethic, making them difficult to defeat, without being overly focused on playing out from the back and conceding unnecessary chances.
They exhibit a pragmatic approach, heavily relying on set-pieces, as demonstrated in their 3-0 victory against Everton. This strategy is perfectly acceptable, particularly with the talented players available to them who can capitalize on such opportunities.
At present, it seems they are seeking individual brilliance from their forwards to create magic moments in matches rather than employing a systematic approach to break down opponents. I believe Kudus could benefit from additional support in this area, but that assistance is on the horizon.
The primary reason I foresee improvement is Frank himself.
Building a Solid Foundation
I do not think Tottenham's current identity is fixed. We have seen Brentford evolve under Frank over several seasons, and he is just beginning his journey with Spurs. Initially, Brentford played a direct style that could be predictable, but their approach transformed significantly last season, showcasing a more versatile game.
This Tottenham team will also evolve, but Frank has established a solid foundation similar to his early days at Brentford. For instance, their full-backs are more conservative compared to the attacking style under Ange Postecoglou.
During the recent match against Everton, Spurs faced some criticism for sitting back and allowing their opponents to press them in the second half. At times, I found myself urging them to push forward, as they seemed to invite pressure upon themselves. However, considering their recent Champions League match against Monaco, where they fought hard for a draw, I understand Frank's decision to prioritize protecting their lead.
Most players from that challenging match started against Everton, and they were ahead 2-0 at halftime, having limited Everton's chances. Given the travel and intensity of their previous game, it is understandable why Frank opted for a more defensive strategy in the second half.
Looking ahead, if they maintain such a deep defensive line against stronger opponents, they may face consequences. Hopefully, they will be better prepared for these challenges, especially with returning attacking players.
Balancing Style and Effectiveness
In time, Frank will need to strike a balance between developing an engaging attacking style that fans enjoy and maintaining a game plan that secures victories through defensive resilience. This has historically been a challenge for Tottenham, contributing to frequent managerial changes—Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte represented one extreme, while Postecoglou represented the opposite end of the spectrum.
However, based on his experience at Brentford, I believe Frank will deliver the attractive football fans desire while also achieving results. He has access to a stronger squad at Spurs compared to what he had at Brentford, making it unrealistic to assume this team won't progress and become more aesthetically pleasing to watch. I am confident they will.
Danny Murphy was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.