Tottenham recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Brentford on Sunday to ease the pressure on Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs came into this London derby sitting 16th in the Premier League – following a run of six defeats in the last seven league outings – so it was imperative for Tottenham to pick up three points.
That they did thanks to an own goal from Vitaly Janelt and a late strike by Pape Matar Sarr – moving the north Londoners up to 14th in the Premier League.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Thomas Frank shared what surprised him about Tottenham at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Thomas Frank surprised – and impressed – by Tottenham’s defending
The Dane praised Spurs for their defending in his post-match interview, even suggesting it was the best he’s seen Tottenham defend throughout the entire season, in a rare show of solidity at the back for a side who have leaked 37 Premier League goals this season.
Frank – who Tottenham admire and would consider if Postecoglou is sacked – said: “Tottenham were very aware of how they wanted to defend us. Maybe some of the best defending they have done in the season.
“They defended the box fantastic, closed down our situations well, either closed it down quickly or made a foul.”
Sunday’s success at Brentford was the first time Tottenham have kept a clean sheet in the Premier League since the 5-0 win away to Southampton on 15th December, so Frank was perhaps expecting a less formidable Spurs side to rock up at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Therefore, Tottenham deserve credit for shutting out the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa – who Spurs looked at signing – especially with key men such as Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario still missing from their backline.
Ange Postecoglou still eager to bolster his backline
Tottenham beat Wolves to the signing of Kevin Danso on Saturday night to reinforce the defence – although Postecoglou is still keen to add another central defender in addition to the Austria international.
TBR Football understand Spurs are still trying to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea – with the north Londoners keen for depth after losing Radu Dragusin to a serious knee injury on Thursday.
However, Aston Villa also want the France international, so Tottenham do not have an easy run at his signature by any means.