Thomas Frank pinpoints what went wrong in Tottenham’s second half against Sunderland

Thomas Frank pinpoints what went wrong in Tottenham’s second half against Sunderland

Thomas Frank identifies the key moment that cost Tottenham victory against Sunderland

Thomas Frank conceded that Tottenham’s inability to find a decisive second goal ultimately proved costly as Brian Brobbey’s late stunner earned Sunderland a 1-1 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Spurs had taken the lead on the half-hour mark when Ben Davies headed home from Micky van de Ven’s corner, but despite enjoying long spells of control and creating multiple chances, Frank’s side failed to build on their advantage.

That wastefulness was punished 10 minutes from time as Brobbey fired an unstoppable left-footed strike into the top corner to snatch a point for the visitors.

Speaking to BBC Sport after full-time, Frank made no attempt to hide his frustration, pointing directly to Tottenham’s failure to make it 2-0 as the turning point in the match.

“The big miss in this game is not scoring the 2-0 goal,” Frank said. “That would have killed the game. We tried, but we couldn’t do it, and then they produced a moment of quality and suddenly it’s 1-1.”

Tottenham dominated possession for much of the contest but lacked the composure and cutting edge required in the final third. Poor decision-making and missed opportunities allowed Sunderland to stay in the game and eventually capitalize.

Reflecting further, Frank added: “Football is about momentum. There were small spells where they had some, but not much. The issue was that we couldn’t sustain the pressure, with or without the ball.

In the second half we got into excellent positions and we have to finish the game at 2-0.”

Ongoing home struggles for Spurs under Frank

The draw marked another disappointing afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Spurs have now managed just two wins from 10 home matches this season.

Frank’s comments underline a recurring theme since his appointment in June — an inability to put games to bed when in control.

Tottenham have repeatedly dropped points from winning positions, often failing to maintain intensity once they take the lead. Against Sunderland, they looked comfortable at 1-0 but lacked the ruthless edge needed to secure all three points.

Frank’s admission that his side couldn’t sustain pressure highlighted broader tactical concerns, with Spurs allowing Sunderland to grow into the contest instead of pressing their advantage and forcing a second goal.

The result leaves Tottenham 13th in the table with 27 points from 20 matches. Frank is facing increasing scrutiny after a difficult run of form that has seen Spurs win only four of their last 12 Premier League outings.

The disparity between home and away performances remains striking. Tottenham sit second in the away table but continue to struggle badly in north London.

Xavi Simons is set to return from suspension ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Bournemouth, which could provide a much-needed creative boost.

However, unless Spurs improve their finishing and learn how to close out games, Frank’s frank post-match assessments are likely to continue following frustrating results rather than celebrated victories.