Tottenham boss Thomas Frank under pressure: Have Spurs fans lost faith in their manager?
The rumblings of discontent began before the match when around 100 fans took part in a ‘Change for Tottenham’ protest; This protest appeared to have been partially calmed by the £35 million signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and an open letter from chief executive Vinai Venkatashem reassuring concerned fans of the club’s ambition.
Frank had actually had a relatively positive week. At least until his team starts playing.
Frank played a key role in Spurs’ win over Aston Villa under Gallagher and subsequently added respected Dutch coach John Heitinga, who was part of Arne Slot’s backroom team when Liverpool won the Premier League last season, as assistant coach.
But there is a constant undertow of discontent at Spurs that shows no signs of leaving; The league home record, which currently consists of 11 games played, six defeats and only two wins, does not support this mood.
Crysencio Summerville’s early goal increased the pressure. But Spurs were hardly helped by a desperate lack of urgency, which affected fans’ nerves and unhappiness.
Shortly before half-time Pedro Porro put the ball in play deep in West Ham territory. Between the desire for speed, 30 seconds felt like a long time for the defender to give West Ham possession.
On the hour, when time counted and an equalizer was needed, Spurs fans erupted as the ball was played aimlessly at the back like a team defending a healthy lead.
Cristian Romero’s equalizer gave false hope, but Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was once again found weak and inadequate in the corner before Wilson grabbed the winner, his complaints of being stymied rightly ignored.
West Ham, by contrast, celebrated wildly after ending a run of 10 winless league games that left them and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo in crisis. ‘The old nonsense about Dr Tottenham prescribing a cure for every struggling club’s woes is gone once again.
Captain Romero, who entered the tunnel directly at the final whistle, said: “Tomorrow we will train quietly, we will work hard again. We have another big match in the middle of the week.
“Right now it’s a disaster for us. Sometimes we played well and sometimes we played badly. We have to work hard and get back on track. This is a difficult moment for us. We are not the best on the field.”
