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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Sam Tabuteau

Tottenham: Pressure on Thomas Frank but players must take some responsibility for Spurs slump

Tottenham lost 3-0 at Nottingham Forest on Sunday - (Getty Images)

The problems at Tottenham run deeper than Thomas Frank.

Frank is under increasing pressure and Saturday’s dreadful 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest raised more questions about his future.

But there are also others at Spurs who need to take a good look at themselves in the mirror.

For all the criticism of Frank’s approach, there are bigger issues as a result of the way the club had been run for more than two decades before the Lewis family took control.

Spurs are down in 11th in the Premier League after their defeat at the City Ground (Getty Images)

The players must take more responsibility for their part in the struggles.

Spurs capitulated after falling behind at the City Ground and Frank needs more of them to start stepping up for him now times are tough.

Pedro Porro turned on some supporters after the recent home loss against Fulham when he talked about “true fans”.

But Spurs had the full support from the away end as they capitulated at the City Ground.

Too many have under-performed for too long.

Barring their run to Europa League glory in Bilbao last season, Spurs have been in terrible form for more than two years after their good start to the 2023-24 season.

Spurs won just four of their final 22 games Premier League last season and have managed just six in 16 this season.

Their only home wins in the Premier League in 2025 have come against Manchester United, Southampton and Burnley.

Spurs have changed managers but their problems remain.

The core of the squad have remained consistent in that time and, while there are wider questions about the culture at Spurs, the players must take responsibility.

Liverpool visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday before trips to Crystal Palace and Brentford after Christmas.

Spurs have insisted that Frank’s position is secure but the next few weeks feel crucial to their season.

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