Tottenham Hotspur scraped a draw away at AS Monaco in the Champions League as Thomas Frank’s side looked less than impressive as they tried to bounce back after the loss to Aston Villa.
The first half saw an end-to-end display that saw each team putting extreme pressure on, with Monaco having the better of the chances, but neither was able to find the breakthrough that was needed.
The second half was more of the same, as the teams were unable to find the breakthrough despite relentless pressure from Sebastian Pocognoli’s men.
But what were the key things to take away from the Champions League match-up? GB News reveals all!
DEFENSIVE STRUGGLES PLAGUE SPURS
Tottenham were extremely lucky to not be multiple goals down in the first half
|REUTERS
Tottenham started the brighter of the two sides, with a ball fired across the box within the opening minute of the game, but after that, the issues we have seen with Frank’s defence came to the fore once again.
For over 10 minutes of the game, Spurs were pinned within their own half as they played scrappy football and were unable to keep the ball. Archie Gray made his first Champions League start for the Lilywhites, and he played a crucial part in keeping his side in the game in the opening half hour of the game.
The 19-year-old made the all-important clearance on more than one occasion. But the wider issue of defensive struggles still continues to plague Spurs.
Vicario had to make three key saves in the first half after Kevin Danso and Micky Van De Ven were cut open by the fast pace of the Monaco attack. Frank needs to find a way to be able to put pressure on the teams at the highest levels without leaving the defence so exposed, or his strong start to the season is going to be derailed quickly.
THOMAS FRANK’S CHANGES DID NOT WORK
Thomas Frank's focus on fresh legs destabilised Tottenham on Wednesday
|REUTERS
Frank made three changes from the side that lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa at the weekend, and despite the difficult loss, Spurs looked like they had chances to take the win against Unai Emery’s side.
Spurs brought in Richarlison after he was dropped for Mathys Tel, as he is not within the Champions League squad. Archie Gray replaced Djed Spence at left-back, and Lucas Bergvall came into the side.
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The changes seemed to destabilise Spurs; they were unable to keep the ball, and appeared to be very disjointed as they tried to attack. Too many balls were off the mark, and passes were missed for a side that is aiming to make a long run into the tournament.
Frank may have had a good start to life in north London, but unless he starts to get the results the fans expect of him, he may be headed for the same fate as his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.
VICARIO SAVES TOTTENHAM’S BLUSHES
Guglielmo Vicario made numerous crucial saves to keep allow Tottenham to take home a point
|REUTERS
Vicario has had a lot of criticism over recent seasons for his inconsistent play between the posts, but that cannot be said for his performance tonight.
The Spurs keeper made at least six vital saves to keep his side in the contest.
Monaco tested the Italian keeper consistently, and at points through the match, it seemed impossible that the European side had not thundered one of their numerous chances into the back of the net.
Spurs defence was utterly useless against the speed and power of the Monaco side, and the only reason they were able to scrape a point is due to the incredible work of their keeper.
Frank will now have a lot of things to work on before Spurs face Everton in the Premier League at the weekend.