Tottenham sit third in the Premier League after nine games under Thomas Frank, boasting strong defensive numbers (second‑best goal difference, joint‑best attack, second‑best defence) and a marked improvement in limiting chances (xG against down from 1.67 to 1.19 per 90). However, fans are frustrated with the team’s performances, especially in home games where they dominate possession but fail to progress the ball forward. Frank’s Brentford‑inspired, hard‑to‑beat approach leaves the two central pivots making mostly sideways or back passes, creating a disconnect between defence and attack and leaving no effective midfield link when opponents sit deep or press high. The only sign of progress came when full‑back Pedro Porro was allowed to invert against Everton, offering more forward‑thinking play. To become a true title‑contending side, Frank must shift from a purely defensive mindset to a more progressive, big‑club approach ahead of tough fixtures against Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal, PSG, Liverpool and possibly Manchester United.
1. Tottenham have played nine Premier League games under Thomas Frank.
2. Tottenham sit third in the Premier League table.
3. Tottenham have the second‑best goal difference in the league.
4. Tottenham have the joint‑best attack in the league.
5. Tottenham have the second‑best defense in the league.
6. Tottenham lost to Bournemouth at home.
7. Tottenham lost to Aston Villa at home.
8. Tottenham drew with Wolves at home (only just scraped a point).
9. Last season, Brentford’s xG against was closer to that of Palace, Forest and Villa than to relegated teams or Tottenham.
10. Last season, the average distance Brentford conceded shots from was beaten only by Arsenal and Liverpool.
11. This season, Tottenham’s xG against is comparable to that of newly promoted teams.
12. Tottenham’s xG against dropped from 1.67 per 90 minutes to 1.19 per 90 minutes.
13. This drop represents a roughly 35‑40 % reduction in chances conceded per game.
14. Tottenham’s average shot distance conceded is now the third‑best in the league.
15. Thomas Frank has used both a 4‑2‑3‑1 and a 4‑3‑3 formation this season.
16. The two central midfielders (pivots) employed by Frank are Benton and Powellinia.
17. These pivots are comfortable with the ball, circulate it and keep possession well.
18. The pivots rarely play forward passes.
19. When opponents press high, Tottenham’s build‑up results in a 4‑2‑4 shape at the back with a disconnect between defence and attack.
20. When opponents sit deep, the midfielders push forward, leaving a large chasm between defence and attack.
21. In the Aston Villa game, only six passes went from defenders or midfielders to forward players.
22. Against Everton, Frank allowed Pedro Porro to invert from a wide position into more central areas.
23. Porro’s inversion helped Tottenham play through thirds.