Tottenham’s latest disappointing outing played out amid rising tension, with the travelling fans leaving no doubt about their feelings toward Thomas Frank. From early in the first half, chants directed at the Spurs boss rang out, setting a strained atmosphere that only intensified worries about the club’s trajectory.
At first, the reaction from supporters felt more ironic than angry. Fans poked fun at the slow tempo and sideways passing, briefly lifting their spirits when Micky van de Ven put Spurs ahead. That positivity quickly faded. Despite having numbers behind the ball, Tottenham once again looked fragile defensively. A heavy touch from Cristian Romero sparked a messy sequence that gave Burnley the opportunity to strike, with Axel Tuanzebe left completely free to score his first Premier League goal. Defensive hesitation soon followed, allowing Lyle Foster to force in a second.
As Burnley turned the game around, frustration in the away end boiled over. Calls for Frank to be dismissed grew louder, alongside chants predicting his removal. Some fans leaned into nostalgia, singing about former favourites like Dele Alli and Mauricio Pochettino — a pointed reflection of how far belief and standards have fallen since Spurs last felt united behind their manager.
Even Romero’s dramatic late equaliser, which rescued a point, failed to ease the mood. The anger remained focused on Frank rather than the players, many of whom were applauded at full-time. Romero summed up that contrast perfectly: praised for his leadership and goal, yet once again contributing where the attackers could not. Frank, for his part, continued to applaud the supporters despite the hostility, but the bond between manager and fanbase now looks badly damaged.
On the field, the performance followed a familiar pattern. Tottenham dominated possession, created numerous chances, and repeatedly tested Burnley’s goalkeeper. Spurs took 18 shots, 11 of them on target, forcing Martin Dúbravka into an exceptional display with nine saves. Burnley, meanwhile, registered just four shots on target and scored twice. The issue was not creativity, but efficiency.
Dominic Solanke linked play well but lacked sharpness in front of goal. Xavi Simons alternated between flashes of quality and careless giveaways, while Wilson Odobert carried the ball dangerously without posing much threat in the box. Once again, goals came from the back, with Van de Ven and Romero now among Spurs’ leading scorers this season.
Frank admitted after the match that more is required from his forwards, while insisting the overall display deserved better. He highlighted improved chance creation, effort and mentality, claiming Spurs “did more than enough” to win. But such explanations are wearing thin. Tottenham have now recorded just two wins in their last 14 league games, dropping points repeatedly against fellow strugglers.
For many supporters, the deeper concern is the recurring pattern. Second-half collapses have become common, raising questions about in-game management and tactical clarity. Substitutions and adjustments rarely shift momentum, and late goals often feel like individual moments rather than the result of a clear plan.
The upcoming schedule offers little relief. Games against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal are on the horizon, prompting serious doubts about where results will come from. Frank remains focused on the immediate Champions League trip to Frankfurt, though uncertainty lingers over whether he will still be in charge by then.
Tottenham’s leadership appear caught between patience and pressure. While the club is trying to avoid its familiar cycle of managerial changes, clear signs of progress are hard to find. Beyond Van de Ven’s consistency and availability, there is little to point to as genuine improvement under Frank. Injuries and squad limitations provide some context, but persistent defensive lapses and a lack of goals are pulling Spurs closer to danger.
Frank continues to preach hard work and belief, but that message is no longer landing with a fanbase tired of performances without results. Unless Tottenham quickly find a cutting edge — especially in attack — the outlook feels increasingly bleak. And as scrutiny on Frank intensifies, the question is no longer if change is coming, but how long Spurs can afford to delay it.
