Thomas Frank diagnoses key issue with Tottenham's attack

Thomas Frank oversaw a slender triumph on his Champions League bow, and the Dane was quick to point out what is currently wrong with his Tottenham side in attack post-match.

Tuesday night's clash with Villarreal was a novel occasion for several Spurs players, as well as the manager. The league phase format has reduced the sense of jeopardy of early-season continental encounters, but three points was nonetheless hugely important for the Lilywhites, as they aim to make a top-eight push.

Villarreal weren't the glamorous opponents capable of raising the stakes, and the two teams seemed to meander through the contest after Luiz Júnior's horror own-goal in the opening stages. The visitors produced one or two moments in transition but failed to test Guglilemo Vicario, while Spurs' own attacking threat was limited after taking an early lead.

Frank has done so much right since taking over from Ange Postecoglou in June, but the Dane has not yet evolved his team into one that can efficiently monopolise possession and reliably create chances from open-play. That will take time.

Frank recognises problem with left-hand side after Villarreal win

Daniel Levy noted Frank's "intelligence" in the hiring process, and the Dane's capacity to tactically adapt has been on display at the start of his tenure. However, Spurs are still suffering from a balance issue in possession, and the manager recognised that post-match.

Speaking to Amazon (via Hotspur Related on X), Frank said: "I think offensively is definitely the area we need to get better."

The manager emphasised the importance of relationships, and Tottenham's right-hand side currently appears much more fluent than the left. Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus have had much more time to develop a rapport than Djed Spence and Xavi Simons; however,

On the latter duo, Frank said they "played too short and into feet too many times."

But that's what you're going to get with those two. The right-footed Spence isn't a natural overlapper on his 'weaker' side, while Simons isn't going to stretch the pitch. The Dutchman wants the ball to feet, but for the left-hand side to boast the rhythm of the right, Simons needs to operate with Destiny Udogie. Otherwise, the summer addition must function as Frank's No. 10.

The manager currently values Pape Matar Sarr's work from an advanced midfield role too highly to drop him (understandable), and it may require a bit of bravery to shift Simons inside. Still, it looks like an obvious solution to our attacking stodginess.