Tottenham supporters have plenty to worry about following the 4-1 loss at Arsenal, especially after witnessing Eberechi Eze score a hat-trick. While Richarlison’s stunning long-range strike provided a brief moment of joy, it was little more than a consolation. Many Spurs fans are humorously noting that they can now add “two goals down” to their list of unfortunate memories from their trip north.
A Winless Streak
This defeat leaves Spurs in a three-match winless run in the Premier League, causing them to slip to ninth place. The sense of frustration among fans is growing. Conversations in the stands and on internet forums have focused on a critical question: why did manager Thomas Frank continue with a midfield partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and João Palhinha, which struggled against Arsenal’s high press?
Tactical Missteps
It was Frank’s first league derby in charge, although he had previously led the team to a pre-season victory, thanks to a late goal from Pape Matar Sarr. Despite this, Sarr remained on the bench during the recent match while Bentancur, who recently signed a new contract, partnered with Palhinha. Many fans are scratching their heads at this decision. One supporter likened sticking with that duo to wearing woolly gloves in a water fight—protective but impractical.
Critics argue that the Bentancur-Palhinha combination stifles creativity. Without a midfielder capable of driving the ball forward or supporting the attacking players, Spurs appeared to be constantly on the back foot. Calls are increasing for a more dynamic approach, with suggestions to include players like Sarr, Sonny Bergvall, or Manor Solomon. These players showcased energy, pace, and goal threat in previous matches, helping lift the team’s overall performance.
Need for Change
While Frank could consider a switch to a back five or a 4-2-3-1 formation, supporters emphasize that no tactical setup will withstand the Premier League’s intensity without a solid plan to navigate opposition presses. Sticking to a purely defensive midfield pairing has been viewed as a tactical dead end.
If Tottenham aims to regain momentum and climb back into the top six, fans believe Frank must reconsider his choice of midfield. After all, football is played on grass, not sand; it requires movement, creativity, and calculated risk.
Looking Ahead
Let’s hope the next derby lineup brings some surprises instead of the same familiar pivot combination. Otherwise, by the time Spurs find their rhythm, they might be tempted to pack the midfield with three number tens—just to keep everyone guessing.