Tottenham fans were left frustrated and angry after their team’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, with much of the criticism directed at manager Thomas Frank.
Many supporters questioned his team selection and the midfield pairing he opted for, calling it “utterly baffling” after another disappointing home result.
The loss has once again raised doubts about the balance of Spurs’ midfield and whether Frank’s current approach is too cautious for a side with top-four ambitions.
Spurs entered the match needing three vital points to stay within touching distance of Premier League leaders Arsenal. A win would have narrowed the gap to just two points and placed them above Manchester City, but instead, Tottenham walked away empty-handed.
The game started perfectly for them when Rodrigo Bentancur struck early in the fifth minute, putting the hosts ahead and filling the stadium with optimism.
However, the momentum shifted when Villa responded through a brilliant long-range effort from Morgan Rogers before Emiliano Buendia sealed the comeback with a curling finish that beat Guglielmo Vicario.
Despite their early dominance, Spurs faded as the game went on. The midfield duo of Bentancur and Joao Palhinha, who started together once again, failed to control the tempo or provide creativity going forward.
While the pair offer defensive stability, their lack of attacking drive left Tottenham looking flat in key moments. Bentancur, despite scoring the opener, contributed little afterward, completing just one key pass and recording an expected assist value close to zero.
Palhinha, known more for breaking up play than creating chances, also struggled to link up effectively with the attacking trio of Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Wilson Odobert.
The decision to start both players drew immediate criticism from fans online. Many accused Frank of being too conservative, claiming that the cautious midfield setup limited the team’s attacking flow.
One supporter wrote, “The insistence on Palhinha-Bentancur is utterly baffling. We’re driving with the handbrake on.” Another vented, “Another week of Bentancur and Palhinha is a sackable offence.”
The frustration was widespread, with several others blaming the loss directly on Frank’s reluctance to make early tactical changes.
Some fans believe that Frank’s decision-making is costing Tottenham valuable points, particularly in winnable matches.
“This result is 100% on Frank,” one fan posted, “I’m so tired of Bentancur and Palhinha starting together and waiting too long to make changes.”
Others echoed the sentiment, insisting that the pairing doesn’t work and that Spurs look far too defensive, especially at home.
With players like Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall waiting on the bench, both of whom offer more creativity and forward movement, many believe it’s time for a change. Introducing one of them in place of either Bentancur or Palhinha could inject much-needed energy into Tottenham’s midfield.
Sarr’s pace and Bergvall’s technical ability could give Spurs the attacking edge they currently lack, allowing the team to move the ball quicker and create more chances in the final third.
For now, Frank faces a difficult decision. His current setup provides defensive structure but sacrifices attacking fluency, a trade-off that has left Spurs struggling to turn good performances into results.
If Tottenham are to keep pace with their rivals, Frank may need to take more risks in his selection, encouraging a more dynamic and free-flowing style of play.
The fans have made their feelings clear they want a midfield that attacks, not one that sits back and invites pressure.
