Thomas Frank has reasons for optimism that Tottenham are heading in the right direction | OneFootball

Tottenham are without a Premier League win for more than a month, but there are encouraging signs ahead of facing Manchester United

What Thomas Frank would give to talk about football again.

The aftermath of Tottenham’s miraculous 2-2 draw with Manchester City has been dominated by Cristian Romero’s most recent comments about the club’s hierarchy - the second time in a month the subject of his captain’s social media activity has been brought to light.

There was spirit and character as Spurs came from two goals down to rescue a point against City. That momentum has quickly been lost amidst the noise of a disappointing Deadline Day and Romero’s explosive Instagram post.

Still, in salvaging a draw, Spurs clawed back some respectability, having been savaged by Pep Guardiola’s side in the first-half.

Spurs’ season has been a tale of two halves too often. Piecing together a performance over 90 minutes remains an issue in the Premier League, where the tempo shifts are dramatic and Spurs struggle to keep control.

There have been signs of progress, and the return of Dominic Solanke has been transformational. The England striker has four goals in his last four games and Frank believes he can force his way into contention for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Dominic Solanke scored a wondergoal as Tottenham battled back from 2-0 down to earn a point against Man City

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Solanke provides a focal point in attack, while makeshift centre-back Joao Palhinha has offered balance and composure in defence after being moved from midfield to compensate for Spurs’ mounting injury list.

“Joao has been very important for us in many ways. To have that versatile player like him who can play the No6 (role), outside centre-back or one of the two which he did in the second half (against Manchester City) is very impressive,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

“He has been part of driving the team and I agree with him. I said it for a while the performances are more competitive and consistent. Are they perfect? No but we are getting closer and closer.”

Conor Gallagher - his driving run and cross setting up Solanke’s audacious scorpion kick against City - is another player in the image of what Frank wants his Spurs side to embody.

Someone capable of driving standards and building culture by leading by example. An important attribute given Romero's propensity to go off script with his social media comments.

“I think Conor has a lot of the bits we need to get to where we want,” Frank added.

“His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward.

“His work-rate and how he can carry the team on his back, more or less, though it’s not only about one player.

His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward

Thomas Frank

There are then reasons to be optimistic heading into Saturday’s game against Manchester United.

Frank is right, performances have been more consistent in the last few months, even if results have not reflected it.

Michael Carrick’s rejuvenated United side are a dangerous and unpredictable entity, though, after winning each of their first three games under the former Spurs midfielder.

Boosted by the return of Micky van de Ven in defence, Frank will be looking to do what the Premier League’s top two teams have so far failed to do, and inflict a first defeat on Carrick since taking the reins from Ruben Amorim.

That is a tall order, given Spurs have now gone more than a month without a league victory, but Frank is determined, unflinching in the face of outside noise, and convinced Spurs are heading in the right direction.