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3 things we learned from Tottenham’s dismal 2–1 home defeat against West Ham
Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images

Tottenham suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham’s home nightmare deepened as West Ham secured a vital London derby victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham suffered yet another humiliating home defeat on Saturday afternoon as West Ham won 2-1 to climb out of the relegation zone. Crysencio Summerville gave the visitors an early lead before Cristian Romero’s equalizer offered brief hope. However, Callum Wilson’s late strike condemned Spurs to another devastating loss. The result leaves Tottenham in 14th place with just two home wins all season, as Thomas Frank’s position becomes increasingly untenable.

Frank’s men have now won just two of their last eight Premier League matches, with pressure mounting to catastrophic levels. Several alarming talking points emerged from Spurs’ dismal collapse at home. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Ben Davies injury creates defensive crisis

Ben Davies was stretchered off injured in the 20th minute with a serious leg injury, adding to Tottenham’s mounting defensive crisis. The Welsh international has been a reliable presence in Frank’s backline, and his early departure left Spurs dangerously exposed down the left flank.

Djed Spence replaced him and endured a nightmare afternoon, struggling defensively in an unfamiliar position. The Englishman looked completely uncomfortable operating on the left side, with his poor positioning exploited repeatedly by Jarrod Bowen throughout the match.

With Destiny Udogie already sidelined long-term, Frank’s defensive options have been decimated at the worst possible time. Losing Davies for any length of time represents another devastating blow to their survival hopes as Tottenham sit precariously close to the relegation zone.

Gallagher debut fails to spark revival

Conor Gallagher made his Tottenham debut following his £35 million move from Atletico Madrid but couldn’t inspire a comeback. The England international showed flashes of his quality with intelligent movement and energy in midfield, yet those around him struggled badly.

Gallagher worked tirelessly and demonstrated the commitment Frank desperately needs, but one player cannot fix the systemic problems plaguing this squad. His final ball lacked precision at crucial moments, and he was overrun as West Ham controlled the middle of the park during key passages.

The midfielder needs time to adapt to his new teammates, but time is a luxury Frank simply doesn’t have. Tottenham require immediate results, and Gallagher’s solid but unspectacular debut did nothing to ease the mounting pressure on his beleaguered manager.

Frank’s time might soon be up after another home disaster

Thomas Frank’s position is now untenable after Tottenham’s home form reached a new low. The Danish manager has presided over a catastrophic collapse, with his side winning just two home matches all season in the Premier League.

Frank’s tactical approach has been thoroughly exposed. His substitutions consistently fail to change matches, his defensive organization is nonexistent, and his players show no fight when adversity strikes. The manner of West Ham’s victory was humiliating, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s struggling side controlling proceedings comfortably.

Frank faces a realistic scenario where Tottenham could slip into the relegation zone within weeks. The Lewis family’s patience surely cannot extend much further after another abject performance that leaves Spurs in 14th place and spiraling toward disaster.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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