Three things we learned from Tottenham’s 3–0 win as momentum grows under Thomas Frank

Tottenham extended their December revival with a convincing 3–0 win over Slavia Prague, a result that not only delighted the home crowd but hinted at a growing sense of stability under Thomas Frank. After a run of one win in six, pressure had been steadily rising on the Dane, yet back-to-back victories combined with consecutive clean sheets have shifted the mood dramatically.

The evening began with a familiar face returning to north London, as Heung-Min Son stepped out before kick-off to address supporters. Spurs then produced the sort of controlled, proactive display that had often been missing earlier in the season. A David Zima own goal set them on their way before Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both struck from the penalty spot in a second half Tottenham dominated.

The numbers behind the performance reflected the control Spurs exerted: 53% possession, 2.75 expected goals to Slavia’s 0.77, 16 shots to 12, eight corners to three, and, most tellingly, six big chances created to the visitors’ one. The defensive structure held firm, too, limiting Slavia to speculative moments and relying on Guglielmo Vicario for only a handful of routine saves.

Here are the three major takeaways from the night.

Results against Brentford and Slavia Prague won’t rewrite Tottenham’s season on their own, but they feel meaningful in context. Spurs are beginning to resemble a team with clearer patterns, sharper pressing and a restored sense of ambition in the final third. Importantly, the energy inside the stadium is shifting; supporters who had grown frustrated with passive football are now seeing greater intent both with and without the ball.

Simons’ return to the starting XI has been transformative. The Dutchman has now scored in consecutive matches and injected creativity into the spaces Tottenham had too often left unmanned. His ability to knit counters together and drive through tight areas gives Frank a focal point for his attacking blueprint.

This victory keeps Spurs firmly in the race for a top-eight finish, which would secure automatic entry into the knockout rounds of Europe’s top competition. After a miserable November, December has brought genuine signs of progress.

One of the standout tactical wrinkles of the night came from Djed Spence’s positioning. Although nominally at right-back, the England international frequently drifted inside and even across to the left, adopting pockets more associated with an advanced playmaker. It was a throwback to the adventurous full-back roles once favoured under Ange Postecoglou, though Frank executed the idea with his own structural adjustments.

Micky van de Ven repeatedly shuffled across to cover the vacated channel, while Archie Gray dropped deeper when possession was lost. Spurs used the space creatively, with Simons receiving a clever flick during one break that forced a desperate clearance from Tomas Holes under his own crossbar.

Spence also found himself the furthest man forward on several occasions, exemplified by his smart run in behind just before half-time. Although he later reverted to a more conventional role as the game settled, he still surged forward to test goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek with a well-struck effort.

For a player still trying to fully establish himself in north London, this was a night that demonstrated trust from his manager and rewarded it with a performance full of personality.

Tottenham enjoyed a comfortable evening, but one moment may have longer-term consequences. Micky van de Ven collected his third Champions League booking of the campaign after a tangle with Mojmir Chytil, who went down dramatically, prompting frustration from the Dutchman. Holding onto the ball after the whistle only made matters worse, leading to a card that felt entirely avoidable.

As a result, Van de Ven will be suspended for January’s crucial home match against Borussia Dortmund — a fixture with significant implications for Tottenham’s European ambitions. Losing one of their most athletically dominant defenders in such a high-stakes game is far from ideal, especially in a period where consistency has just begun to take hold.

The underlying data from the win shows an emerging pattern under Frank. Spurs produced six big chances, controlled transitions efficiently, and limited Slavia to minimal high-quality opportunities. Their 358 completed passes to Slavia’s 306 don’t speak to dominance but to a maturity in game management. Remarkably, Tottenham also won the corner count eight to three and forced more defensive actions from the visitors despite making fewer tackles, a sign of improved positional play.

Performances like this don’t guarantee long-term success, but they indicate direction — and for a team that has lacked one at times this season, that alone is significant.

Tottenham now turn their focus back to the Premier League on Sunday against Nottingham Forest, where consistency remains the next hurdle. If Frank’s side can maintain the fluidity shown in their last two outings, the festive period could deliver far more optimism than the month that preceded it.

👉 Spurs fans — do you think these performances mark the start of something more sustainable under Frank?