Tottenham: Thomas Frank's rule of three will be key as Spurs plot another Man City scalp | OneFootball

Thomas Frank and Spurs both know how to beat Pep Guardiola & Co.

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It was hard not to feel some sympathy for Thomas Frank at his press conference yesterday.

After a week in which Spurs failed to wrap up a move for Eberechi Eze and instead saw Arsenal hijack the deal, Frank had a fairly uncomfortable, if not unexpected, half hour.

I believe in simple messages and have maybe three key areas and try to create a narrative about each game

Thomas Frank

These were all on topics beyond Frank's control and yet he is tasked with overseeing a performance that can lift the mood and, temporarily at least, dim the talk on transfer failures.

There is every reason to believe the Spurs boss can do so. That display against PSG earlier this month, when Spurs led 2-0 after 85 minutes, will serve as something as a blueprint for how Frank will set his side up in the biggest games.

He hinted he could go back to that 3-5-2 shape for the Etihad, which would see Kevin Danso return and with it the threat of his long throws. Regardless of the formation, Spurs will be well-drilled in their shape, look to exploit their opportunities on the counter, and maximise set-pieces.

However, Frank was keen to emphasise that the game plan against City, consisting of three key areas of focus for his players, will not be a replica of the one he prepared for PSG.

"I believe in simple messages and have maybe three key areas and try to create a narrative about each game," Frank said.

"And they cannot be too big because there are probably two or three key areas that will win us the game or hopefully maximise our chances of winning. But there are a lot of other areas that will affect it."

Pressed on what those three areas were, Frank added: "They change. Three key areas for PSG. Three other key areas for Burnley. And the key areas for tomorrow I will not tell you. I will keep it to myself.

"Burnley we were big on crosses for example and numbers in the box. You can probably analyse it if you look through our games. Obviously, set pieces against PSG was a big thing."

Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners at the Etihad last season

REUTERS

These are the kind of games where Frank thrives and his adaptability should ensure Spurs are competitive against the toughest opposition. As Brentford boss, Frank did the double over City in the 2022-23 season. His two most recent trips to the Etihad have ended in defeats by just a single goal.

Spurs have enjoyed their recent trips to the Etihad, winning 4-0 last season in one of the best results of the Ange Postecoglou era and drawing 3-3 the year before.

The early signs are that City will be back to something close to their best this season after last term's struggles, but Frank has had a full week to devise a plan for Pep Guardiola's side.

For all City present a hugely difficult test, these could be the games that come more naturally to Spurs this season. With little in the way of creative options in midfield, Frank can pack the midfield with the likes of Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr and make Spurs hard to beat.

Up front, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus have shone in the early weeks of the campaign. Should they start as the attacking pair, they must again hold the ball up well to ensure Spurs do not get penned in.

It is still early in Frank's reign and his tactical versatility means there are likely to be surprises as Spurs’ plan is revealed at the Etihad.

"I will be pragmatic," the Spurs boss said yesterday. "I will use different systems and different ways to win football matches."

After a week to forget in the transfer market, Spurs need Frank to find any way to do just that.