In a high-stakes Champions League clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, manager Thomas Frank displayed remarkable tactical bravery, rolling the dice with a surprise system change that paid off handsomely in a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. With his job under intense scrutiny following a toxic home loss to West Ham, Frank's decision to shift from his usual setup proved a masterstroke, liberating key players and injecting much-needed confidence into his squad.
A Desperate Gamble in Dark Times
Frank found himself backed into a corner ahead of the match, with limited options due to injuries and a squad stretched thin. The expectation was a straightforward choice between Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie at left-back, but when the teamsheets were revealed, Frank had selected both, leaving Randal Kolo Muani on the bench. This move highlighted the ongoing struggles of Kolo Muani, whose loan spell from Paris Saint-Germain has been disappointing.
During the warm-up, Spurs appeared to be lining up in a conventional 4-2-3-1 formation, with a back four of Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, and Udogie engaging in defensive drills. Dortmund analysts in the stands took note, but this was merely a ruse. Once the match kicked off, it became clear Frank had opted for a 3-4-2-1 setup, with Udogie slotting in as a left-sided centre-half and Spence operating as a left wing-back.
Learning from Past Mistakes
This tactical shift was particularly bold given Frank's recent history with three centre-backs. In a late November fixture against Arsenal, he started with a 5-4-1 formation, which proved disastrous, leading to a 4-1 defeat after switching to a 4-3-3 at half-time. The optics of repeating such a cautious approach in his darkest hour could have been damning, but Frank showed conviction, and it worked spectacularly.
Frank has employed similar warm-up deceptions before, such as in a Champions League match at PSG, where he drilled his team in a back five only to set up in a 4-4-2 diamond. While that game ended in a 5-3 loss after a promising start, the strategy against Dortmund was executed flawlessly. The Bundesliga side, sitting second in their league, looked surprised early on, struggling to contain Spence's forward runs and the creativity of Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons in the No. 10 roles.
Key Players Liberated by the Change
The new formation brought out the best in several Spurs players. Porro benefited from advanced positions as a right wing-back, delivering dangerous crosses, while Spence received more defensive cover, addressing his tracking-back issues. Odobert and Simons were freed to make runs behind the defence, a tactic that has often eluded Tottenham this season.
Dominic Solanke's return was another highlight, as the centre-forward made his first start of the season after a nightmare ankle injury. He scored a fortuitous goal to make it 2-0 and provided a pressing presence at the top of the formation, offering a focal point for the team. "It's been one of the hardest moments of my life," Solanke reflected, emphasising the clarity he now feels after his recovery.
Europe as a Potential Shield
Despite this victory, Frank's future remains precarious, with Spurs needing to improve in the Premier League, starting at Burnley this weekend. However, like his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, Frank has European competition to potentially shield him from the sack. If Spurs can win at Eintracht Frankfurt in the final round of the league phase, they would advance directly to the last 16, offering respite until at least mid-March.
Postecoglou's experience last season serves as a precedent, with Europa League progress keeping him in the job despite domestic struggles. Frank, however, aims to do more than merely survive; he seeks to build on this tactical success. For now, though, this win provides crucial breathing space and a possible blueprint for moving forward in a challenging campaign.
