Thomas Frank may have been impressed with the defensive performance his side delivered at the Etihad Stadium, but there was one moment in the first-half, where the Dane was very annoyed with Djed Spence for a decision that the Tottenham full-back made.
There was a lot to like about Spurs’ performance against Manchester City. Not just did the Lilywhites keep a clean sheet, but they showed a level of defensive control that visiting teams at the Etihad Stadium rarely manage.
Although the away side did not have the best of starts to the game, they looked comfortable as soon as Brennan Johnson put them in front in the 35th minute.
That was followed up by Joao Palhinha scoring his first Spurs goal just before half-time, and Frank’s men managed to keep City at arm’s length in the second period.
What annoyed Thomas Frank in Man City vs Tottenham
The Tottenham head coach has spoken about the importance of set-pieces and has admitted that the long-throw is a ‘weapon’ that he wants his side to use.
Alasdair Gold has revealed that Tottenham boss Frank was visibly annoyed on the touchline when Djed Spence decided not to take a long throw-in in the first half.
Just after the 20-minute mark, the Tottenham left-back took a quick short throw rather than launching it into the box.
The 25-year-old had taken the throw just as set-piece coach Andreas Georgson was about to tell him what to do, and this left Frank frustrated.
Thomas Frank annoyed with Djed Spence there for taking a quick throw rather than presumably taking the opportunity for a long throw into the City box. Set piece coach Andreas Georgson was about to tell him what to do. https://t.co/QPeu1dgZIH
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) August 23, 2025
This shows the importance of tiny details for Thomas Frank
We already know that Frank is a stickler for tiny details, and he focuses a lot of energy on the opposition’s weaknesses and how his side can take advantage of them.
Just like against PSG, he had clearly identified that set-pieces are an area where Tottenham can hurt City.
There is no doubt that he and his coaching staff would have had a word with Spence after the game, and we may not see the Englishman repeat the same mistake again.
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