Tottenham appear to be standing at the edge of a new era, one that feels very similar to the moment Mauricio Pochettino experienced early in his reign when he realised he had to completely reshape the club to survive.
For Thomas Frank, that moment may have arrived during Tottenham’s Champions League trip to Paris, even though the match ended in defeat. In the chaos and frustration, there were signs of something more important: a clear identity emerging and a path forward built on young players who are not afraid to take responsibility.
Pochettino’s own turning point came more than a decade ago when Spurs were struggling, sitting close to the relegation zone and falling apart inside the dressing room.
The squad was filled with small groups and older players unwilling to adapt to his demands. He knew the job was slipping away from him. During a match at Aston Villa, with Spurs losing late on and his future hanging in the balance, he told his staff to pack their bags because he believed he was about to be sacked.
Then, in the final minutes, something dramatic happened. Younger players who believed in his methods stepped up. Nacer Chadli scored, and a young Harry Kane fired in a last-minute free-kick.
That comeback not only changed the result; it changed the manager. Pochettino realised in that instant that he had to take control, shut out the noise, and build the team in his own image. That moment became the spark for the Spurs revolution that followed.
Frank’s Tottenham side did not defeat PSG in Paris, but the performance of two nineteen-year-olds—Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall offered the same kind of clarity. Their composure, courage and understanding stood out far more than anything produced by the senior players three days earlier in the derby defeat at the Emirates.
Even in a stadium roaring for the home side, the teenagers were not intimidated. They embraced the moment, took risks, and showed a level of tactical maturity that Tottenham desperately needed.
Frank set his team up in a diamond midfield, with Gray, Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr rotating in the advanced positions and Rodrigo Bentancur holding the structure together. The formation had no wingers but plenty of mobility.
What mattered was that the young players understood the approach and executed it with belief. Spurs created the moment of the match when Bergvall produced a brilliant backheel that sent Gray bursting into the box.
Gray’s perfectly judged chipped cross floated to Randal Kolo Muani, who nodded the ball across goal for Richarlison to head in. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted it was a fantastic goal.
PSG struck back through Vitinha, who delivered a stunning long-range finish, but Spurs refused to fold. Early in the second half, they retook the lead after another chaotic sequence sparked by Gray’s quick instincts.
His flicked effort came back off the crossbar before Kolo Muani smashed in the rebound. It felt like Tottenham were edging towards something special, but Frank’s young stars eventually tired, and experienced players made costly mistakes. A loose pass from Cristian Romero led to PSG’s equaliser, and lapses at set pieces allowed the French champions to take control.
Still, Tottenham fought on, with Bentancur winning the ball high up the pitch and Kolo Muani hammering in another goal against his parent club. Unfortunately, the drama didn’t end there as Romero conceded a penalty with a raised arm, Vitinha completed his hat-trick, and a late red card added even more chaos to an already wild night.
Despite conceding heavily, Tottenham managed to score three goals against one of the best teams in Europe, something very few clubs can claim. That alone shows the potential within this team.
Frank admitted afterwards that he saw traits he wants to build the team around identity, character, personality, and aggression. Those qualities were missing in recent performances but appeared clearly in Paris. His frustration centered on the avoidable goals conceded, but the positives were significant.
The young trio of Gray, Bergvall and Sarr showed they are ready to take on bigger roles. Gray, who Spurs signed for £40 million as one of England’s brightest midfield talents, finally demonstrated the influence he can bring when played in his natural position. Bergvall continues to grow with every game and already looks like a player capable of dictating matches despite his age.
Both teenagers said they enjoy playing together, and their chemistry was obvious on the pitch. They trust each other completely, both in possession and under pressure. They also credit the coaching staff for giving them clear individual development plans and helping them improve their understanding of the game.
Frank’s decision to use a diamond midfield was based on his desire to press aggressively and challenge PSG man-to-man. For large spells, the plan worked. It showed exactly the type of football he wants to implement at Tottenham dynamic, fast, brave, and commanding.
Kolo Muani also delivered his most complete performance since joining Spurs. With two clinical goals and an assist, he showed the directness and unpredictability that Tottenham have lacked in attack this season.
As he grows fitter after injuries and setbacks, he looks capable of becoming a major threat in the Premier League. Even Vitinha, who tormented Spurs all night, praised Kolo Muani and wished him success.
Although Frank has won only three of his first twelve matches a poor run by any standard the match in Paris felt different. The fans inside the stadium applauded the players at full-time because they saw effort, spirit, and belief. They saw a team beginning to find its identity again, which is what they demand above all else.
Frank now faces a crucial test against Fulham. Tottenham’s home form has been terrible, and this is the moment to reset the narrative. To do that, he must trust the players who showed courage in Paris.
He must let the young, hungry talents drive this team forward, just as Pochettino once did. The foundation has been laid. The identity is becoming clearer. The spark is there. Now the revolution must begin for Thomas Frank.
