Three things we learned from Tottenham win as players rally behind Thomas Frank

Tottenham’s Champions League campaign received a much-needed lifeline as a depleted Spurs side produced a commanding win over ten-man Borussia Dortmund, easing the pressure on Thomas Frank at a critical moment.

With Frank’s position under intense scrutiny before kick-off and only 11 senior outfield players available, the fixture had all the hallmarks of a potential breaking point. Instead, goals from Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke — either side of Daniel Svensson’s red card — delivered a controlled, mature performance that may yet prove decisive for Frank’s immediate future.

Here are three things Football Place learned from Spurs’ European victory.

Discontent around Tottenham has been growing for weeks, with many supporters opting to stay away as uncertainty around Frank’s future dominated the narrative.

Those who missed the match, however, will feel short-changed. This was arguably the most convincing and cohesive display of Frank’s tenure.

From the opening whistle, Spurs played with bravery, intensity and clarity. Romero’s early opener was fully deserved after a dominant start, and it seemed to lift both the players and the atmosphere inside the stadium.

Despite being stretched thin by injuries, suspensions and ineligibility, Tottenham’s players executed Frank’s game plan with conviction. They played with freedom, confidence and unity, running out comfortable winners against a Dortmund side that had lost just once in their previous 12 matches in all competitions.

There are still no guarantees over Frank’s long-term future at Tottenham Hotspur, but this performance almost certainly earns him another chance — starting with this weekend’s trip to Burnley.

Cristian Romero remains one of the most combustible figures in Tottenham’s squad, but his importance was once again undeniable.

The Argentine defender has attracted criticism recently, particularly after a fiery social media post aimed at senior figures following defeat to Bournemouth. While ill-judged, it underlined the competitive edge that defines Romero — and when channelled correctly, that edge can be transformative.

Frank’s decision not to publicly reprimand Romero raised eyebrows, yet it has paid dividends. Romero responded with another authoritative display, capped by a composed first-half finish after excellent work from Wilson Odobert.

Beyond the goal, Romero’s leadership stood out. He has now developed a habit of scoring crucial goals — also finding the net against West Ham and Newcastle this season — but his influence goes further.

At half-time, with Spurs in control, Romero gathered his team-mates for a huddle on the pitch, reinforcing focus and responsibility. Tottenham never wavered after the break, keeping Dortmund at arm’s length and seeing the game out with maturity.

Captain more by circumstance than design, Romero showed the leadership Frank has repeatedly challenged him to develop.

Wilson Odobert has long been trusted by Frank, but this was the night he truly delivered on that faith.

The 21-year-old was electric throughout, tormenting Dortmund down the flanks alongside Djed Spence. Spurs were aggressive, direct and relentless in wide areas, with Odobert the standout performer.

No player completed more successful dribbles on the night, and crucially, Odobert matched his energy with end product. He provided assists for both Romero and Solanke, driving Spurs’ dominance home.

After an initial miscued effort, Odobert regrouped superbly to drill a cross into Romero’s path for the opener. He then kept pushing, his confidence growing with every touch.

His second assist, a cross slightly behind Solanke, still resulted in a goal — a mix of instinct, pressure and persistence that summed up Odobert’s performance.

Frank has waited for a display of this authority and consistency, and this felt like a breakthrough moment. There are clear parallels with how he previously developed Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford, and Spurs may have uncovered a genuine weapon for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham turn their attention back to domestic action with a crucial trip to Burnley, as Frank looks to build momentum from a performance that may have saved his job — for now.

Has this result bought Thomas Frank real time, or was it simply a temporary reprieve?