Tottenham Joao Palhinha Thomas Frank
credit: Imago
Jacob Raw
Thu 30 October 2025 18:40, UK
Thomas Frank decided to give a new role to a Tottenham star against Newcastle, as the stats prove it was a bad decision.
Tottenham lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, as the coach will be looking for an instant response on Saturday against Chelsea.
Richarlison continues to struggle for Tottenham, as the need for a striker is more clear than ever with Dominic Solanke still sidelined through injury.
However, Frank didn’t help himself when he made one change to the Lilywhites’ lineup that nobody would have seen coming.
Thomas Frank, Brentford manager
Credit: Imago
Joao Palhinha suffered at centre-back vs Newcastle
After Micky van de Ven scored a brace against Everton on Sunday evening, the Dutchman was handed a rest in the midweek clash with Newcastle.
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With Cristian Romero still out, it meant that Frank saw Joao Palhinha as the only other option to put next to Kevin Danso.
Palhinha, unsurprisingly, looked out of sorts in centre-back, and it’s an experiment that Frank needs to learn from.
Minutes Tackles (won) Dribbled past Possession lost Goals conceded Yellow card Rating
90 1 (0) 2 7 2 1 6.7
Joao Palhinha’s stats vs Newcastle, according to Sofascore
Although Palhinha was not entirely at fault for either of the goals, Tottenham certainly lacked leadership in their midfield against the Magpies.
Palhinha has been excellent in midfield for Frank, and the Portuguese needs to be put back in his best position instantly against Chelsea.
Frank needs to make calculated decisions
While it’s understandable that Frank may have wanted to rest van de Ven, the majority of Spurs’ side against Newcastle featured regular starters, as it makes no sense as to why the Dutchman was benched.
If Frank wants to seriously compete for trophies this season, he needs to take more risks.
Tottenham currently sit third in the Premier League
Frank has Tottenham 15th in the Champions League table
The head coach has to get the most out of his full squad
Frank has made some questionable decisions for Spurs so far, and sometimes, the calls are never justified with good reason.
Tottenham fans will want Frank to make more calculated and processed decisions that make them confident that their head coach does, in fact, know what he’s doing.
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