Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Burnley on Saturday gave them their second win in their last 14 Premier League games, but there are still difficult games ahead and decisions need to be made.
Thomas Frank applauds fans who turned up at Burnley despite calls for him to be sacked (Image: )
His late equalizer was a stunning beauty, as good as any header you’ve seen in the Premier League. Seriously.
In terms of importance, this game barely registers on any all-time record list, with Steve Bruce’s second double against Sheffield Wednesday in April 1993, which put Manchester United back on track to their first Premier League title, probably at the top. But in terms of technique and power, nothing beats Cristian Romero’s fast leveler at Turf Moor.
Luis Suarez scored a stunning goal from the edge of the penalty area against West Brom in October 2016, while Javier Hernandez improvised a ‘backheader’ for Manchester United against Stoke City in 2010. And Romero’s header that gave Spurs a deserved point also falls into that category.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page
read more: Thomas Frank answers questions about Andy Robertson and Tottenham’s transfer talksread more: Virgil van Dijk takes responsibility for Liverpool’s heartbreaking loss to Bournemouth
Wilson Odbert’s cross was just behind Romero. It reached shoulder height. But somehow, Romero was poised to out-head Martin Dubravka.
For a moment, the entire congregation was stunned. However, Spurs fans quickly realized that it was time to celebrate, and that this was a result that still lends weight to the argument that Thomas Frank should be sacked.
They serenaded him with a rendition of “Sideways and Backwards Everywhere We Go” early in the game and sent him home with the throaty “Sacked In The Morning.” On the isolated evidence of this football game, this was a bit harsh.
Firstly, Burnley aren’t as bad as their 15 points from 23 games would suggest. Most recently, they picked up points against Manchester United and Liverpool at Anfield.
Cristian Romero scored the equalizer against Burnley to take his tally to three goals in three games (Image: )
And secondly, Spurs faced an inspired goalkeeper in Dubravka, taking wild touches in the finish, with Dominic Solanke missing a sitter and Xavi Simons hitting the bar. Although the team almost lost the game due to defensive negligence, Simmons admitted, “We wanted to win, and conceding two goals is unacceptable. It’s disappointing, but we have to keep going.”
“We can’t concede this goal a minute before half-time and we can’t concede a second one. I think this can be avoided. Even if the keeper played a great game, we have to win here. We have to score those goals and we have to win. The only solution is to keep trying. That’s what we’re doing.”
And there was no indication that Simmons and all of his teammates weren’t ready to do the job for Frank. After Axel Tuanzebe canceled out Micky van de Ven’s opener and Lyle Foster put Burnley ahead, Spurs bounced back and could well have sealed the win with Romero’s header.
Thomas Frank was a happier man at the end of midweek’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund (Image: )
However, the results show that Tottenham have only won two of their last 14 Premier League games, and the fixture list shows Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal in the wings. And more importantly, the reaction of traveling fans after Romero’s violently beautiful intervention points to a fundamental truth.
A key part of Spurs’ support is Frank’s absence. It’s very simple. they decided. So now it’s up to the decision makers. I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sympathy for Frank, as he felt he couldn’t help but admire the people who wanted him removed.
And while it may be old-fashioned, it’s actually old-fashioned, but perhaps it’s time for the Spurs board to be exposed. Good old fashioned vote of confidence or not. Perhaps it’s time for Tottenham to back him or sack him.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
