At first glance, Tottenham seem to be enjoying a positive season.
After 10 Premier League matches, the manager’s squad resides in the upper echelon of the English top division and has not lost in the European competition.
Yet, recent results – and notably the sentiment among supporters at the club’s home ground – have declined in the past few matches.
Following the weekend’s narrow home loss by Chelsea – just as he does following each home fixture – the head coach encouraged his squad members to take a walk of thanks around the arena.
While the team was jeered upon exiting, two defenders were caught on camera snubbing their manager and heading directly to the dressing room.
“Every squad member is obviously upset,” the manager commented on the situation. “They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that.
“I think it is difficult to be consistent in good times and in bad times. That is why I went around to the fans as I did. It is more fun when we win, I can tell you that.”
When questioned about the reactions of Van de Ven and Spence and whether their behavior was acceptable, he added: “In my view, that’s a minor concern. Both Micky and Djed are giving their absolute best.”
“They perform very well so far this season and everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, so I don't think it is a big problem.”
Match of the Day pundit the former striker remarked that the squad’s response has been blown out of proportion.
“I completely grasp why the athletes wish to exit quickly,” he said. “They have been an embarrassment, they were booed off the pitch. They want to get in the dressing room and say sorry later on.
“As much as Thomas likes to go around and thank the fans, I get the players point of view that they have been absolutely awful and they want to get off the pitch as quickly as possible.”
Recent Struggles at Their Stadium
Following a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season, Tottenham started the new era with a trio of victories and as many shutouts in four games.
The Dane has often stated he wants to make their home venue “an impenetrable stronghold”, but the defeat by the Blues means the team have won just one of their last five home matches under him.
They have not won back-to-back league games since the start of the term with wins against Burnley and Manchester City, and have managed only one win of their last five outings in every tournament since the October international break.
Weak performances at home is a continuation of a trend that started under Ange Postecoglou the prior year – Spurs have only triumphed in three of their last 19 home league matches (four draws and 12 losses), with no present elite club winning fewer home matches from that date onward.
In fact, in England’s top four tiers, just the Saints have won fewer home games than Spurs in this period.
Analyst Views
“There will be more questions of Thomas Frank after the game,” ex-top-flight keeper Rob Green commented on air. “I don't think he'll have learned anything after that because it was such an abject performance on the ball. They never gave themselves a chance. They never got better. No sustained pressure at home is just not good enough.”
Ex-Tottenham player the analyst stated on television that the defeat was “among the poorest showings I’ve witnessed from Spurs”.
“That was as easy as it gets,” he added. “Had it been a fight, I’d have called it off. They failed to challenge Chelsea at all. They handed them the victory.”
Supporters shared his views as they made their feelings clear, with boos ringing out at the final whistle.
Coach’s Reaction
The manager said he understood the frustration of supporters but asked for patience while his side keeps improving.
“They [the fans] did everything they could to back us in a game that we didn't perform well in. Chelsea were better than us on the day,” he explained. “There's no doubt, and I keep saying it, that we have a front four that is new. We have to build together with short turnarounds in games. We'll do that. I'm not in doubt that will happen.
“All my previous teams have been prolific scorers. That will resume here in due course.”
Offense isn’t the sole problem – just Wolves, with four have made more errors resulting in opponent scores than Tottenham in the Premier League this season, who have made three alongside several other clubs.
Future Fixtures
Tottenham have two opportunities to redeem themselves at home in the next week, with games against the Danish side in the European tournament and the Red Devils in the Premier League.
After an abysmal league campaign previously, Frank has certainly brought improvement. But further steps are required to enhance outcomes and the atmosphere in north London.
“I can’t recall a match where we generated so few chances,” Frank informed reporters after his side concluded the match with an expected goals figure of 0.05. “One can always find silver linings, but currently I’m having difficulty spotting any.”
