‘The Thomas Frank effect’ – but is there more to come from Spurs?

I would add Tottenham to the list of over-achieving clubs, which is a breath of fresh air to see teams like Bournemouth and Sunderland surpass expectations at the top of the Premier League.

Not many Spurs fans would have anticipated them to be in third place now that they have had the odd depressing performance under Thomas Frank, especially at home, but I don’t believe anyone thought it would be so easy for him to quickly change this squad.

I am aware that there have still been some criticisms from their supporters, especially with calls for more creative play in open play, but sometimes you have to walk before you can run.

When Frank arrived at Tottenham last year, he probably said, “let’s fix that first” because they conceded too many goals and were too easy to play against.

We can all agree that he has done that because of how well the team has progressed since the beginning of the season up to now.

Yes, there have been instances in which their approach to the ball has appeared a little one-dimensional, and they have relied heavily on Mohammed Kudus’ magic to create chances out of nothing.

However, I have faith that some of their injured players, including Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, and, over the long term, James Maddison, will improve that aspect of their game.

There is a lot of positive energy around what Frank is doing, and there is also a lot to look forward to, despite the fact that things haven’t been perfect so far.

Spurs are probably the strongest squad they have had in a while, they are picking up points without playing particularly well, and they are currently in a very good position at the top with some very important signings on the horizon.

After fewer than ten league games, supporters want their team to have a identity, and I’m already seeing one at Spurs.

They are currently a team that has been well trained, has a great work ethic, and isn’t preoccupied with giving away foolish chances.

There is nothing wrong with them, despite the fact that they are reasonably pragmatic and heavily rely on set-plays, as we saw in their 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday.

Spurs has some big players to aim for, along with some talented deliverymen, despite the fact that many other teams are the same.

It seems more like they are trying to find individual brilliance in open play than a system to force through the opposition at the moment.

Kudus needs some assistance in that area, but that assistance is coming, as I look at them.

Because we saw how Brentford developed under him over the course of several seasons and he is only just beginning to get started here, I don’t think Tottenham’s current identity is a piece of cake.

Brentford had a very direct style when they first entered the Premier League, and their actions were also quite predictable or obvious.

However, if you watched them last season, you would have seen a completely different approach. Although Christian Norgaard could mix things up, they were not a one-trick pony when they played out back.

This Tottenham team will continue to evolve, but Frank has first and foremost provided them with a solid foundation like he did at Brentford. For instance, with their slightly more home-like full-backs than they did under Ange Postecoglou, as they did with Ange Postecoglou.

On Sunday, Spurs again received some criticism for allowing Everton to play on them in the second half.

You have to consider what had happened before that game, despite the fact that I was thinking to myself, “Come on, get out of your half because you are putting yourself under pressure.”

The majority of the team from that game also started on Sunday, and Everton were 2-0 up at half-time thanks to a strong performance.

I understand why Frank made the decision to try to maintain their lead after the break when you consider the distance and intensity of that game against Monaco.

Looking back, I’m sure he would have desired for them to be a little more talented on the ball when they actually broke away because they gave the ball up too easily and put themselves under too much pressure.

If they give away as much of their possession and sit off as deeply as they did, they might be punished in the coming weeks against perhaps higher-quality opposition.

In the end, Frank will have to strike a balance between playing an attacking front-footed side that the fans find entertaining and one that wins games because of his or her lack of experience.

Tottenham have always struggled to find that, which is why they have undergone so many managerial changes. Postecoglou was at one extreme and Jose Mourinho was at the other.

However, I believe Frank will deliver results and give the fans the type of football they want from Brentford, as opposed to what we saw at Brentford.

It’s naive to think this team won’t advance and become more eye-catching because he has a much better squad at Spurs than he has ever been with Brentford, which I totally agree with.