Tottenham’s controlled performance against City lays down a glimmer of hope | OneFootball

Doubts still followed Thomas Frank into the Etihad despite last week’s win.

Some questioned whether Tottenham’s new manager could truly impose his style on this squad, and whether his pragmatic edge would resonate after the chaos of last season.

A 2-0 victory away to Manchester City should answer a few of those questions.

This was not a smash-and-grab. It was controlled, disciplined and brave, exactly the type of football Frank has promised to bring.

Spurs pressed City into mistakes, struck twice in the first half through Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha, and then defended with authority to see the game out.

Afterwards Frank admitted: ‘Extremely proud of the players’ performance. I think it was an exceptionally good performance. The first 35 minutes they were more on top, but we stayed in the game, scored a great goal, and after that we were on top.’

The message was simple: Spurs are learning, adapting, and growing fast.

Last season was defined by inconsistency and collapse. This season Frank wants resilience to be the foundation.

He was particularly pleased with another clean sheet. ‘It’s a big thing we’ve been working on. High pressure, middle block, low block, defend the box mentality. If you get clean sheets you’re closer to winning games.’

That mentality showed in the second half. City had possession, but Tottenham had the control.

Every time the hosts threatened, Spurs snapped back with aggression. Micky van de Ven’s tackle on Phil Foden summed it up — committed, timely, decisive.

Frank also pointed to Palhinha’s influence. ‘Sometimes players need confidence and they need to be on top. He’s not fully fit yet, but very pleased with his performance and he’s definitely helping the team.’

Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur could form the axis that Spurs have long lacked, a midfield with bite as well as intelligence.

And it is that balance that may finally earn Frank the supporters’ trust.

Too many managers have come and gone without building a platform for long-term progress.

Frank’s Spurs already look drilled, compact, and dangerous on the break.

The football is not wild, but it is effective — and it is sustainable.

As Frank put it: ‘We have a good group of players, a talented group of quality players. We just showed that today.’

Tottenham fans have been waiting for a team they can trust. On this evidence, they may have finally found it.