Sam Allardyce has warned that Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking output could become their downfall under new manager Thomas Frank. Spurs’ strong early momentum under the former Brentford boss has stalled in recent weeks, with dropped points against Brighton, Wolves and, most recently, Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League exposing problems in the final third.
The 2-2 draw in Norway highlighted growing concerns. Tottenham had to come from two goals down to salvage a point, registering just eight shots compared to Bodo’s 18. Striker Richarlison, isolated throughout, managed only 10 touches in 90 minutes. For Allardyce, those numbers underline the issue: Spurs may not have enough firepower to sustain results.
Speaking on Tippy Tappy Football, Allardyce said: “Tottenham. I think Thomas Frank is brilliant at what he does. But you know, will they score enough goals? Have they got enough goals? That’s probably one of the things that I’d be concerned about.”
Tottenham’s attacking crisis explained
Spurs’ problems stem from a brutal combination of departures and injuries. Over the summer they lost Son Heung-min, whose 50 goal contributions across competitions last season are yet to be replaced following his move to LAFC. Adding to that, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are both sidelined with long-term injuries, robbing Frank of creativity and penetration.
Dominic Solanke, the marquee summer signing tasked with leading the line, is also out injured. Without him, Spurs have struggled to link midfield with attack, leaving Richarlison too often isolated.
The result is a Tottenham side increasingly reliant on structure and defensive solidity, but one that lacks the cutting edge to kill games. Allardyce’s concern is that these problems could turn into a recurring theme unless reinforcements or recoveries arrive soon.
Thomas Frank remains confident
Despite the setbacks, Frank is backing his system to eventually bring improvement. Speaking after the draw with Bodo/Glimt, the Dane insisted progress will come as his players adapt to new patterns of play.
“I think the first half, we definitely could have kept the ball a bit better. I don’t think it was only Richarlison. Probably a little bit of the structure of the team where we could have kept the ball in situations, but I’m not in doubt that it will improve.” — Thomas Frank, TNT Sports
Frank’s emphasis has been on building possession control and pressing habits, but for many supporters, the immediate concern remains goals – and where they will come from in the absence of their key attackers.
Player focus: Richarlison 2025/26 stats so far
| Stat (2025/26) | Richarlison |
|---|---|
| Appearances | — |
| Goals | — |
| Assists | — |
| Touches vs Bodo | 10 |
| Shots vs Bodo | 0 |
source: TNT Sports/UEFA match data – 2 October 2025
Richarlison’s low involvement in Norway summed up Tottenham’s attacking struggles. A striker of his calibre needs service, and with Spurs failing to progress the ball effectively, he was starved of opportunities.
Analyst verdict: Spurs walking a fine line
John William, FootballPlace analyst, believes Allardyce’s concern is valid:
“Tottenham’s structure under Frank is sound, but without goals it means little. Losing Son, Maddison, Kulusevski and Solanke all at once has gutted their attack. You can’t expect to keep pace with the Premier League’s top sides without multiple consistent goal threats.”
He added: “The challenge for Frank is keeping confidence high while reinforcements are missing. If Spurs tread water until their stars return, they could still finish strongly. But if the drought continues, pressure will mount.”
Key insights
- Tottenham have dropped points in three straight games, including a 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt.
- Richarlison had only 10 touches in Norway, highlighting attacking issues.
- Spurs lost Son Heung-min to LAFC, while Kulusevski, Maddison and Solanke are out injured.
- Sam Allardyce says Thomas Frank’s biggest challenge is finding enough goals.
- Frank insists possession and structure will improve over time.
What’s next for Tottenham?
Tottenham return to Premier League action this weekend aiming to steady momentum and restore belief in their attacking play. Frank will hope Richarlison can find rhythm while waiting for Solanke and Kulusevski to return later in the year.
Looking ahead, Spurs’ European campaign will also be a key test. Dropping points in group-stage matches could pile on pressure, especially if goals remain hard to come by. The question is whether Frank’s tactical structure alone can carry Tottenham through until his attacking options are fully restored.
👉 Do you agree with Sam Allardyce that Tottenham’s biggest worry is scoring enough goals under Thomas Frank?
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