Tottenham Hotspur arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium needing a season-defining performance to save Thomas Franks tenure.
However, the 1-2 defeat against Newcastle United proved to be the final blow.
This tactical analysis deconstructs the structural flaws that led to the Dane’s sacking, focusing on how Eddie Howe tactics exploited a disjointed Spurs side that has now failed to win a single league game in 2026.
While the super-tanker analogy was used to describe a slow turnaround, the reality on the pitch showed a ship that had lost its tactical compass.
Newcastle United prevailed through superior second-ball management and a clear plan to neutralise the hosts desperate long-ball exits.
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Newcastle United Lineups & Formations
Tottenham Hotspur Lineup & Formation
Thomas Frank tactics opted for a fluid 4-3-3 system for the Tottenham Hotspur starting XI, a structure that often struggled to establish verticality against a compact block.
Guglielmo Vicario started in goal, with a defensive line featuring Archie Gray, Radu Drăgușin, Micky van de Ven, and Djed Spence.
In this configuration, Yves Bissouma operated as the single pivot, flanked by Pape Matar Sarr and Conor Gallagher as advanced interiors.
Following the early injury to Wilson Odobert in the 30th minute, Mathys Tel entered as a relational outlet on the left, while Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke completed the forward line.
Newcastle United Lineup & Formation
Eddie Howe opted for a significant tactical variation, deploying a fluid 4-3-3 system that collapsed into a 5-4-1 low block in the final stages of the match.
Nick Pope returned to the starting lineup behind a back four consisting of Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall.
Bruno Guimarães anchored the midfield unit, flanked by Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey.
In a departure from the traditional focal point, Anthony Gordon operated as a roaming false 9, supported by Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, who posed a high-intensity threat on the flanks.
Tottenham Hotspur Build-Up Logic: The Inverted Full-Back & Transitional Trap
Tottenham Hotspur offensive plan was structured around generating numerical superiority in the second line.
To achieve this, Thomas Frank instructed Archie Gray to act as an inverted full-back, moving into central corridors to create a 3v2 diamond alongside Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
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