Tottenham Hotspur's New Year's Day clash with Brentford ended in a drab 0-0 draw, but the match provided a stark illustration of a recurring problem for Spurs boss Thomas Frank.
The manager, returning to his former club at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday evening, watched his side deliver a performance utterly lacking in spark or character. While Frank is anticipated to receive backing in the January transfer window, the issues on display against the Bees are not solely financial.
Henderson's Rallying Cry Highlights Spence's Struggles
One of the most glaring concerns was the form of full-back Djed Spence. The England international possesses undeniable quality and was, at moments, Spurs's most effective ball carrier. However, his overall performance was widely criticised, with LondonWorld awarding him a 4/10 rating for a "lazy" display where his poor body language mirrored the team's.
Spence's first-half priority seemed to be antagonising home fans with slow throw-ins, while his defensive work was pedestrian. This did not go unnoticed by the opposition. Brentford winger Keane Lewis-Potter offered constant movement and drive, creating a stark juxtaposition to Spence's casual approach.
The telling moment arrived in the 29th minute. After a Brentford move broke down, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson was clearly heard screaming 'Keano!' across the pitch. This was a direct instruction to his teammates to target Lewis-Potter and exploit the space behind the struggling Spurs defender.
A Problem Frank Has Yet to Solve
The tactical instruction bore fruit almost immediately. Just a minute after Henderson's shout, Spence was again caught out of position, losing track of Lewis-Potter. His recovery run was, at best, a casual jog, betraying a worrying lack of urgency.
This outing adds to a growing narrative that Thomas Frank is struggling to extract consistent performances from the talented defender. The pair already have an uneasy history, including a notable incident where Spence snubbed Frank when substituted against Chelsea, followed by a similar fracas after being taken off versus Nottingham Forest.
While Frank defended his player publicly after those episodes, performances like the one against Brentford prove the underlying issue remains unresolved. Getting the best out of Djed Spence is a challenge that transcends the January transfer market and sits firmly in the manager's in-tray.
As Spurs seek to climb the table, solving this persistent problem will be crucial for Thomas Frank's project in North London.
