Solanke saves Spurs as Frank faces calls to bench underperforming star after costly Frankfurt display
Tottenham travelled to Germany still struggling to find rhythm in the Premier League, but their European performance provided a welcome lift.
The breakthrough arrived soon after half-time. From an early set-piece, Cristian Romero climbed highest to direct the ball into a dangerous area, where Randal Kolo Muani reacted quickest. The French forward showed sharp instincts to convert from close range, giving Spurs a deserved lead.
Eintracht Frankfurt tried to raise the tempo in response, but Tottenham remained compact and well-organised. The hosts were limited to speculative attempts, while Spurs looked threatening on the counter and continued to create danger throughout the second half.
Their persistence was rewarded late on. With under 15 minutes remaining, substitute Dominic Solanke made an immediate impact, calmly finishing to secure the win. It was the England striker’s first goal of the season and put the result beyond doubt.
The victory could prove vital for Thomas Frank, who has been under growing pressure following a disappointing run in the Premier League. Success in Europe offers timely relief for the Danish coach and strengthens belief that his project still has momentum at a crucial point in the season.
However, despite the comfortable scoreline, not every Tottenham player delivered a convincing performance. Several individuals fell below their usual standards, prompting questions about their long-term roles in Frank’s system.
Although Guglielmo Vicario kept a clean sheet, his display was far from assured. The goalkeeper looked uncomfortable in possession and hesitant when dealing with crosses. He completed 20 passes but failed to claim a single aerial ball, a recurring issue during his time at the club. His long distribution was also inconsistent, with only half of his attempts reaching a teammate, inviting pressure and criticism.
In midfield, Archie Gray endured an unusually quiet evening. Despite impressing for much of the campaign, he struggled to influence the game against Frankfurt. He failed to register a tackle and made just one interception, offering little defensive impact compared to Joao Palhinha’s usual influence. With only five forward passes completed, his performance lacked authority and control — a rare off night for a player known for his composure and intelligence.
Despite the win, Thomas Frank still faces difficult selection decisions ahead of upcoming fixtures. Injuries have severely limited his options, reflected in the number of academy players on the bench in Germany. With little squad depth, Frank has often been forced into certain choices, and further signings before the transfer window closes could prove essential. Conor Gallagher and Souza are the only additions so far, but performances like this may convince the club hierarchy that more reinforcements are required.
Djed Spence is one player now under scrutiny. Given a rare start at right-back following Pedro Porro’s injury, Spence failed to seize his opportunity. Playing the full match due to a lack of alternatives, he struggled defensively against Frankfurt’s wide players. He lost ten duels, conceded three fouls and was frequently caught out of position.
His attacking contribution was limited as well. Of six dribbles attempted, only two were successful, and just one of his crosses found a teammate. More worrying was his tendency to lose possession, giving the ball away 20 times — the highest number among Spurs players. His struggles were reflected in the post-match ratings, with Evening Standard journalist Sam Tabuteau awarding him a modest 6/10.
For now, Tottenham’s lack of depth may protect Spence from immediate exclusion, but Frank is likely to explore alternatives — either within the squad or through new signings — to prevent the right-back position from becoming a weakness.
Overall, the bigger picture remains positive for Spurs. The win in Frankfurt was an important European statement and could represent a turning point in Thomas Frank’s tenure. If Tottenham can build on this momentum, their Champions League campaign may yet ignite a much-needed revival in north London.