Thomas Frank Apologizes to Tottenham, Defends Tactics Amid Arsenal Concerns

After a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby, Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach Thomas Frank faced the press, offering an apology to supporters and addressing concerns about the team’s performance. The match, held at the Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2025, highlighted several tactical issues and a lack of competitiveness from his squad.

Match Overview and Key Events

The game started with Arsenal taking the lead through Leandro Trossard, who scored after being set up by Mikel Merino. Eberechi Eze, who had been a target for Tottenham during the summer transfer window, scored twice before halftime, pushing the score to 2-0. Within a minute of the second half, Eze scored again, making it 3-0.

Richarlison managed to score a consolation goal for Tottenham, a remarkable shot from distance. However, Eze completed his hat-trick to seal the rout with Arsenal’s fourth goal.

Thomas Frank’s Response and Reflection

• Frank expressed deep disappointment and took full responsibility for the team’s performance.
• He highlighted a lack of aggression and failure to win crucial duels against Arsenal.
• Despite his tactical changes, Frank admitted the players did not execute the plan effectively.

During the press conference, he responded to questions about the team’s creativity and effectiveness. Frank stated that the low creativity was concerning but did not consider it his biggest worry for the game. He underscored the need for the team to be more competitive, especially in high-pressure situations, referencing their performance against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Concerns for the Future

Frank faced scrutiny regarding his team selection and tactics, particularly the decision to use a 5-4-1 formation. He emphasized that effective play could be achieved with any system if the players were aggressive. Frank acknowledged the need for the team to regain belief and confidence and confirmed there is much work to be done to improve future performances.

Looking Ahead

The loss left Tottenham with only one point from their last three games against major rivals. Frank’s review of these matches pointed out clear differences in performance, leading him to a conclusion that the team has significant room for improvement.

As Tottenham Hotspur looks to bounce back, Frank’s commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial for the team’s future success.