Thomas Frank has vowed to “raise the level” of his side after they ran out unconvincing 1-0 victors against Villarreal on Tuesday evening.
It was the Dane’s first match in charge of a Champions League fixture, with Spurs securing all three points to get their European campaign off to a flier.
The game itself was settled in bizarre fashion, with an astounding own goal from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Jr, who spilt Lucas Bergvall’s delivery into the box.
What should have been a routine catch for the Brazilian ended in a nightmare as he could only watch the ball spin from his grasp and over the goal line.
Villarreal goalkeeper, Luiz Jr, had a moment to forget for the deciding goal | REUTERSWith the goal coming just four minutes in, Spurs immediately reacted with more caution, not attacking with as much intent.
But this led to sloppy passes in possession and ultimately handing Villarreal some golden chances, specifically in the first half, to level the score.
Villarreal caused Spurs some problems on the night | REUTERSBut Frank’s side were able to hold out for the victory in the end, and after the game the former Brentford boss took positives from the victory.
“I [have] definitely learned you have to be happy with your wins and appreciate them,” Frank said to Amazon Prime Video. “I think there were many good things. We defended really well and gave little away throughout the game against a really good Villarreal side.”
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Thomas Frank vowed to make offensive improvements after his side's performance
|GETTY
The 51-year-old vowed to make improvements, though, after a performance that was far from perfect: “I think offensively we didn't hit the highest level. There was a spell in the second half where we gave the ball away every time we had it. We will raise that level.
“New, fresh air. We talked a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' this year because we conceded a lot last year.
“I learned that they are working very hard and we have a very good foundation to stand on in terms of our defensive organisation. I think it's good and we gave little away.
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“This is the Champions League against a good team. Also, I knew we took a step forward against West Ham, offensively is the area we need to get better.
”It was a very even game that we just edged.”
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Lucas Bergvall put on another tremendous display in midfield
|REUTERS
Bergvall, who scored a tremendous header and won man of the match in Spurs’ 3–0 victory at West Ham over the weekend, impressed once more on his Champions League debut.
The Swede played a crucial part in the winning goal, and after the match delved into his relationship with the new boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: "My relationship with him is really good. I just want to get back to the form I had at the end of last year, and I feel like I am. I have help from him and the video analysts to get better every day.
“[The game] was really tough. Villarreal did a great performance, but a 1-0 win at home is amazing. We managed to get three points today and they did not have a shot on target, so we did a really good job."
Elsewhere, Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal produced a more convincing 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, while an eight-goal thriller saw Juventus draw 4-4 with Borussia Dortmund.
It is a trip to Brighton next on Saturday for Frank’s side. They return to European action against Bodo/Glimt at the end of the month, who they beat convincingly over two legs in the semi-final of last year’s Europa League during their triumphant campaign.