Tottenham’s abysmal home form has carried over into 2026 after Thomas Frank’s side conceded late against high flying Sunderland on Sunday (January 4), leaving them down in 13th with just 27 points midway through the season.
Spurs opened the scoring in the 30th minute through one of the most unlikely options. Ben Davies bagged just ninth goal of his 11-and-a-half-year career at the club, diverting Micky van de Ven’s effort from a corner into the back of the net.
Sunderland weren’t deterred, however, and with Tottenham failing to create many meaningful chances after that, Regis le Bris and his lads made them pay when Brian Brobbey scored yet another clutch goal.
Tottenham’s attack stutters again
Frank’s side have some serious issues going forward, and until their addressed, it’s unlikely Tottenham will climb too much higher up the table between now and the end of the season. Still, they probably won’t be worse than last time out, so there is that.
It all starts from the midfield. None of Tottenham’s central midfielders are able to progress the ball fast enough, and those tasked with putting the ball in the back of the net are suffering.
Mohammed Kudus, brought off in the 19th minute due to injury has failed to live up to the billing after an impressive start, while Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert are clearly bereft of confidence.
Richarlison has seven goals in his 20 Premier League games, his best season in front of goal since 2023-24, but he can’t do it all himself, which was clearly demonstrated today. An xG of 1.18 from 13 shots, five of which were on target, isn’t good enough for a side looking to qualify for the Champions League, although it’s not the worst they’ve posted under Frank, by some distance.
Vicario puts in another solid performance
The Italian has to be one of the most frustrating goalkeepers in the Premier League. His performances against Fulham and Nottingham Forest will be two of the worst we’ll see, but over the past few games he’s been dependable.
Vicario was on hand to deny Sunderland right back Trai Hume a potential late winner, tipping the 23-year-old’s effort from just inside the box over the crossbar. It wasn’t a world beating save, but he did want needed to be done.
That’s obviously the bare minimum that should be expected from a goalkeeper, but at a time when those further ahead of him aren’t doing their job, Spurs will be thankful Vicario has screwed his head on and isn’t making daft mistakes.
Frank’s pragmatism really wearing thin
Tottenham’s adopted motto of ‘To Dare Is To Do’ means a lot to the fans. It portrays a club that is willing to take risks, be trend setters, and not rely on defensive football to try and edge out a result. Perhaps Frank didn’t get the memo.
In the manager’s defence, he has been dealt a tough hand considering the remarkably slow midfield he’s inherited, and long-term injuries to key creators James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, but a lot of the time, it feels like he’s scared to allow the players to express themselves.
Sunderland average 42.3% possession so far this season, the 19th lowest in the Premier League, but Spurs were more than happy to let them keep the ball, with the visitors having 51% at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou was a disaster last season, but he’s still loved by the fans not just because they won a trophy, but also because his side had an identity. Frank needs to let the shackles off, or he won’t be in the job for much longer.