Tottenham lost 1-0 to Chelsea, with Thomas Frank’s team failing to register a single shot on target, suffering their third defeat of the season.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has reacted to Micky van de Ven and Jed Spence who appeared to snub him at the final whistle in Spurs’ disappointing defeat to Chelsea. Joao Pedro scored the only goal of the game, but Spurs were lucky to lose by one goal.
Spurs had just three shots on goal, and only one went on target. The loss to their London rivals means they have not tasted victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the league since the opening day of the season.
Frank’s tactical plans were prematurely halted when Lukas Bergvall was sent off with a concussion. Xavi Simmons was brought on, but the summer signing failed to make an impact and was substituted midway through. Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogi returned from injury and were brought on to help Spurs build from the back, but the Lilywhites continued to struggle in possession.
The frustration felt by the Tottenham players seemed to linger after the game as Van de Ven and Spence ignored Frank and left the pitch, as was evident as they received four yellow cards and committed 14 fouls.
It appeared that Frank wanted the two to stay on the field and thank the fans, but they chose to walk straight past him and into the tunnel. Spence appeared to mutter something in response, but Van de Ven did not even acknowledge the Danish manager.
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Frank observed them for a few seconds before continuing his walk, then gave his take on the incident.
“I think I understand why you’re asking the question, but it’s one of the minor issues,” he said at a news conference. “Mickey van de Ven and Jed Spence have performed well this season, but it’s just small things.”
Given that just last weekend Frank and Van de Ven were seen laughing together after scoring a defender’s double in the win over Everton, it’s hard to imagine that this represents some serious behind-the-scenes drama.
However, it is far from ideal for Spurs, and Frank’s leadership seems to be in question.
This comes after manager Pedro Polo beckoned Spence and Randal Kolo Muani to honor Tottenham supporters in the away section at St James’ Park following their 2-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.
Spurs have lost just four times this season, but their results have not been encouraging and they are yet to truly take control of games under Frank’s guidance.
The fixture list does not provide much respite for Spurs as they prepare to face Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United over the next month.
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