Spurs Fans Call Out Thomas Frank for Approach vs Arsenal

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has come under fire for his tactical approach to Sunday’s North London derby after a dominant Arsenal controlled proceedings for large periods.

Coming into this weekend's game, Spurs were the only side to hold an unbeaten away record in the Premier League this season.

In fact, they had the joint-most points and the joint-most goals of any side on the road, not to mention the fewest goals conceded.

"The interesting thing is that probably both Mikel and I would like a little bit more of a controlled game, but it will probably end up an absolutely madhouse," Frank said before kick-off. "I expect a difficult [match], but a game that can go anywhere."

It was certainly a difficult match for the visitors, who struggled for large spells as Frank experienced his first taste of the North London derby.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for Mikel Arteta's side in the 36th minute before Eberechi Eze became the first Englishman to score in his first North London derby in the league for Arsenal since Ian Wright and Kevin Campbell in 1991.

Frank's decision to field a back-five ultimately backfired as they struggled to get a foothold in the game. In fact, the visitors created an xG figure of 0.00 in the first half – a damning indictment of their defensive approach.

Gary Neville was scathing in his criticism and accused Spurs of lacking courage. "They've shown nothing, it's been basic,” Neville said at the break. "To me, that's game over unless Thomas Frank does something remarkable."

A short time later and Eze scored his brace to make it 3-0 within a minute of the second half.

Fans were highly critical towards Frank's approach, with many taking to social media to express their thoughts.

One said: "I want to back Thomas Frank with all my heart, but in every ‘big’ game so far this season we’ve played with no guts and with a defensive line-up, it’s so hard to get behind it."

A second wrote: "Thomas Frank setting up like this in a derby is lowkey a sackable offence ngl," while another commented: "Setting your team up like this is a derby….genuinely a sackable offence from Frank."

A fourth said: "Real test of Thomas Frank, this. He's turned up here with 5 defenders and 2 defensive midfielders, and now needs two goals away to top of the league. Needs massive changes. He's got Porro, Simons, Tel, Muani, and Johnson on the bench. Do something drastic."

A fifth added: "Really wanted to support Frank but he’s making it terribly hard to. Tactics and setups consistently poor. Don’t know how much longer he gets."

Spurs continued to lack any real attacking threat and, although Richarlison managed to pull one back in the 55th minute, the in-form Eze put the game to bed after bagging his hat-trick to make it 4-1.

As a result of their latest win, league leaders Arsenal sit six points ahead of Chelsea, while Spurs linger behind in ninth with five wins from a possible 12.

Thoughts on Frank's approach to the North London derby? Let us know in the comments.