Thomas Frank asks, “Can we play in Europe every week!?” | OneFootball

Not many Tottenham fans were confident they’d get a result on Tuesday night. German giants Borussia Dortmund were in town and after the dismal defeat to West Ham last weekend, Thomas Frank was under increasing pressure to keep his job.

Chalk and cheese

Dortmund have only lost once in the Bundesliga this season. They were also the joint top scorers through match week 6 in the Champions League. You would never have thought this watching the match, even before Daniel Svensson’s straight red card on 26 minutes.

Tottenham looked hungry and pressed well throughout. Cristian Romero netted his first Champions League goal for the club, but what was more encouraging was the returning Dominic Solanke getting on the scoresheet.

It was the Englishman’s first start of the season and although it seemed to be a fairly clumsy finish, they all count and Solanke will be delighted with his first goal of the season.

Attacking flair needed

Goals from forward players have been hard to come by this season, so the return of Solanke will boost his team even more. His all round play gives the shape of the side more structure and they looked more dangerous.

This was Tottenham’s 24th European home game without a defeat; a stark contrast to their wretched league form. More goals will be needed from their frontline, especially with Richarlison out injured. This will put pressure on Solanke to produce the goods, which starts with the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Saturday.

More injuries

Although this was a positive performance, there were still injuries woes for the Spurs team. Lucas Bergvall, who looked bright throughout, was subbed off on 63 minutes. It’s since been revealed that the Swedish starlet has sprained his ankle and will join the growing injury list.

The longer term absentees have recently been joined by Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ben Davies. Joao Palhinha has also missed the last two matches after picking up a knock in training. 

Frank will be hoping that all action Portuguese midfielder will be available for the Burnley match. Conor Gallagher was cup-tied for the Dortmund win, but he will also be available for selection again at the weekend.

Positive signs

Although Bergvall going off on Tuesday was frustrating, his replacement was a welcome sight. 17-year-old academy product Jun’ai Byfield slotted in and looked comfortable on his debut.

Wilson Odobert (right), who set up both goals, and Xavi Simons were very impressive on the night as well. Maybe the slower continental pace of European football suits Spurs better? With more time on the ball Simons was able to pick his pass and looked more confident in pockets of space.

With the rigors of the Premier League returning at the weekend, it will be a different test for this Spurs side in the depths of Lancashire on Saturday afternoon. 

Burnley preview

Burnley picked up an impressive point at Anfield last weekend. The Clarets held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, thanks to an equaliser from former Tottenham player Marcus Edwards.

Despite this, Scott Parker’s team are 19th in the table, so Tottenham fans will be expecting a draw at the very least. Their away form is much better than playing at home. 67% of Tottenham’s Premier League points have come on the road (18/27). Spurs are also unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League away games against promoted sides (W11 D2). They last lost to a promoted team in May 2021, going down 3-1 to Leeds United. 

Burnley are also winless in their last 13 Premier League games (D4 L9). On the flip side to this Tottenham have lost four of their last eight Premier League games against sides in the relegation zone (W3 D1). 

Spurs haven’t lost consecutive league games against teams in the bottom three since March 1997 (vs West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

So yet again we have an intriguing contest in store. If Tottenham aren’t careful they could sleepwalk their way into a relegation battle. Or could they finish 17th and claim European glory for a second season in a row? It’s probably too early to get carried away with that particular fairytale though!