Analysis: Can Frank reignite misfiring Spurs attack?

Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where matches could be won and lost in Matchweek 13.

Team analysis: Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have been responsible for the two lowest Expected Goals (xG) match totals this season, and come into Saturday night’s meeting with Fulham having conceded nine goals in a week.

With home form an issue too, the pressure is building on Thomas Frank to inspire much-needed positivity and belief this weekend.

What is Thomas Frank’s likely approach?

Planning for Spurs' tactical strategy will be a near impossible task for Fulham head coach Marco Silva.

Starting the last three matches in different formations, Frank is flip-flopping between game plans in search of a winning formula.

Will he replicate the narrow 4-4-2 designed to press high against Paris Saint-Germain in midweek? 

Could he go back to the more passive 3-4-2-1 we saw in the north London derby?

Or will he revert to his preferred systems, 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, for the Cottagers’ visit?

Right now, there is no Plan A under Frank.

So, until the players line up for kick off, there is every chance Silva and his players will just have to wait and see.

Spurs formations used in all competition 25/26

Getting balance in attack

It is not easy juggling team selections when you are playing UEFA Champions League football, and having to rotate in this manner is a new experience for Frank.

Finding the right balance has at times been problematic.

While he has largely settled on a consistent central midfield axis, and a fairly regular defence, in forward areas there has been little consistency in his starting XIs.

Making at least two personnel or positional changes to attacking positions in seven of the last eight Premier League matches, relationships have not been given time to flourish.

Spurs attacking combinations last 12 PL matches 25/26

Home struggles

Spurs have won just three of their last 20 home matches in the Premier League. losing 12 times.

Lacking confidence in front of their own supporters, perhaps understandably, Frank’s men have collected only two points from their last five at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A lack of tempo and creativity has been the biggest issue.

Spurs have struggled to pull opponents out of position at home, not moving the ball quickly enough or in a progressive way.

Burnley are the only side with inferior attacking data than Spurs.

Teams with lowest attacking output 25/26

What must Spurs do better at home?

There has to be greater ambition in Spurs’ passing if they are to score more goals in front of their own supporters.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City have attempted a combined 72 through-balls in home matches.

In stark contrast, Spurs have tried just one through-ball; the lowest tally in the division.

When you add in away matches, Spurs have made just four through-ball attempts all season; 39 shy of leaders Arsenal.

Through-balls in PL 25/26

Frank needs to demand greater movement from forwards Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus, Brennan Johnson, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.

But his central midfield options, Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr also have a responsibility to throw caution to the wind a little more often too.

None of them move the ball forward with enough regularity, taking the safe option instead.

These pass maps from the last two Premier League home matches, highlight the issue. (kicking left to right)

There is also a slight imbalance to the way Spurs attack under Frank, with far more productivity coming down their right flank, usually via Kudus and Pedro Porro.

On the left, Spurs do not get in behind opposition defences.

Using Destiny Udiogie on a more frequent basis at left-back, may increase balance and attacking thrust.

This shot assist map below, paints a clear picture of that issue.

Outside of corners, Spurs have also created just one chance that has ended with a shot from inside the six-yard box.

 What has changed most?

From a tactical perspective, the shift from Ange Postecoglou to Frank has been radical.

Sharing very different philosophies, the Spurs players are likely caught between two stools, yet to settle on a clear new identity.

Frank has always been flexible, able to coach more than one style, but he will no doubt be seeking to implement greater clarity from now on.

His narrow 4-4-2 pressed extremely well against PSG in midweek, yet last Sunday they barely tried to close down Arsenal players at Emirates Stadium.

While the shape may change into more of a 4-2-3-1 against Fulham, with morale in need of a lift you can expect the sort of hostile, proactive approach used in Paris.

In terms of how things have altered under Frank, the following stats tell their own story.

How Spurs build-up play compares last two seasons

*Per 90

Spurs are playing a higher share of long passes (the biggest rise among Premier League clubs) and there is less patience in their build-ups too.

Out of possession they have not pressed with anywhere near as much conviction either, with high turnovers in short supply.

Remarkably, they have had just one shot from a high turnover across their 12 matches so far.

In 2024/25 they averaged more than one a game.

Right now it feels like there is plenty of work to be done by Frank to get Spurs at the level they need to be, but we have seen glimpses of the potential they carry and really need a win this weekend.

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