Tottenham boss Thomas Frank praised his side’s “character” after they battled back from two goals down to avoid a shock Champions League defeat against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Spurs looked in real danger of suffering a damaging upset when Jens Petter Hauge struck twice in the second half to put the hosts 2-0 ahead in front of a raucous crowd north of the Arctic Circle.
But Micky van de Ven’s header offered a lifeline before Archie Gray’s late cross forced an own goal from Jostein Gundersen to seal a 2-2 draw.
After the game Frank revealed: “I felt first that the positives were the mentality and character, we stayed in the game and kept fighting, and that gave us a very good point away from home.
Thomas Frank praised the character of his side as they clawed back a draw in Norway
|REUTERS
"When you are 2-0 down in the Champions League against a very good Bodo team here, I am happy to take that.
“They were better than us in the first half, it was clear to see. They are exceptionally good at what they do and are very well coached. But I think after 2-0 we got into the game and were the best team in the latter part of the game.”
Tottenham’s display for much of the match was lacklustre, particularly in the first half when Kasper Høgh thundered a penalty over the bar after Rodrigo Bentancur’s foul.
The visitors struggled to keep the ball and Richarlison was left isolated up front as Bodo seized the initiative.
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Frank admitted his side were sloppy in possession, but refused to use the conditions or artificial surface as an excuse.
“I don’t want to complain about the surface, it is what it is. We could have kept the ball better, no doubt about that. Sometimes it is what happens on the day. We just need to keep trying to do the right thing.” he said.
The Spurs boss was encouraged by the response once his side went two goals behind, highlighting the value of yet another comeback this season.
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Spurs levelled the game with a minute to go in the match
|REUTERS
He continued: “It’s extremely important that we got back from 2-0 down at Brighton and against Wolves, and again today. It’s extremely important to show that mentality."
Spurs had beaten Bodo both home and away on their way to last season’s Europa League triumph, but this time they were second best for large spells.
Relief rather than celebration was the overriding emotion at full-time, though Frank was still happy with the point taken away from home.
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“To take four points from two games is good,” he added. “Also today when we get a point, it’s a fine start. We need to work from here.”
Frank also defended Richarlison after a quiet evening, suggesting the issues ran deeper than the striker’s individual performance.
Thomas Frank defended Richarlison after a quiet game in the Champions League
|REUTERS
“First half we could have kept the ball better, but that was not only on Richarlison. Perhaps it was a bit to do with the structure of the team. I’m in no doubt that we will improve.”
Spurs will now get ready to continue their Premier League campaign as they take on Leeds United on Saturday.