Thomas Frank Faces Crucial Decision After Spurs Star’s ‘Shocking’ Display Against Palace
Tottenham Hotspur eased some of the strain on Thomas Frank with a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, but many still believe the head coach made a key selection error.
The victory marked Spurs’ first since their December 6 success against Brentford, allowing Frank to close out the year positively. However, doubts remain over certain tactical choices — particularly his continued use of a summer recruit in an unfamiliar wide role.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Spurs: Kolo Muani Trial Falters
Frank once again deployed Randal Kolo Muani on the left flank, and the experiment continues to fall flat. The French forward struggled badly at Selhurst Park, rarely getting past his marker and failing in all four of his attempted dribbles.
Although Kolo Muani — on loan from Paris Saint-Germain after an impressive spell at Juventus — has featured out wide earlier in his career, the 27-year-old looked uncomfortable. He had minimal influence on the game, recording just 26 touches, fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Wilson Odobert replaced him in the 63rd minute, and with a natural winger available, Frank’s persistence with Kolo Muani raised eyebrows. The performance should be a warning sign for the Danish boss, particularly with last season’s leading scorer Brennan Johnson left on the bench amid speculation over his future.
Spurs now face Frank’s former club Brentford on January 1, marking his first return to the Gtech Community Stadium since leaving the Bees. If Tottenham want to build on this win, the message from this display is clear: Frank must be decisive and drop Kolo Muani in favour of Odobert or Johnson.
Kolo Muani Draws Fans’ Ire
Despite the relief of ending their winless run, Spurs supporters were far from impressed with Kolo Muani’s contribution. Many felt he should have been substituted at half-time, with some calling for Mathys Tel to be introduced instead.
One fan, echoing GIVEMESPORT’s 5/10 rating, summed it up bluntly:
“Kolo Muani is so, so bad.”
Another criticised the overall performance but singled out the Frenchman’s struggles on the ball:
“Like every game recently. We don’t look like a football team. Kolo Muani can’t control a ball. Gray doesn’t offer enough. Constant poor decisions. But we’re winning, so whatever.”
Others were equally scathing:
“Kolo Muani allergic to possession?”
“Kolo Muani shocking. Take him off or change his position.”
“Who approved the Kolo Muani signing?”
With his loan spell under scrutiny, some fans were already looking ahead to his return to PSG:
“I’m fine with Kolo Muani never playing for us again.”
“I’ve never seen him do anything memorable in a Spurs shirt.”
Another supporter summed up the frustration:
“Palace wanted it more. Kolo Muani has been awful apart from that one run.”
In contrast, Odobert impressed during his cameo, offering pace and directness that troubled the Palace defence. His display could earn him a starting role, with a front three of Odobert, Richarlison and Johnson emerging as a more balanced option for Spurs as they head into the new year.