Just as Tottenham supporters were basking in the glory of a memorable Champions League victory, they have come crashing back down to earth with some bad news.
On Tuesday night, first-half goals from Cristian Romero and then Dominic Solanke saw Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in North London. This extends the Lilywhites' unbeaten European home streak to 24 matches, winning all four this season, scoring ten goals and conceding zero. Thus, if they are able to beat already eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park next Wednesday night, Thomas Frank's team will rubber -tamp a spot in the round of 16.
However, less good news emerged on Thursday. As reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, Lucas Bergvall is "set for a period on the sidelines after sustaining a high ankle sprain". The Sweden international was forced off just after the hour mark, replaced by 17 year old Jun'ai Byfield.
With Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kuluševski, Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus already injured, another long-term absentee is the last thing Frank needs. So, how should he reconfigure his forward line at Turf Moor on Saturday?
The front four Thomas Frank must deploy against Burnley
Despite Spurs' impressive Champions League form, they aren't doing quite as well in the Premier League. Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham really cranked up the pressure on Frank, given that they've now won just two of their last 13, languishing in 14th.
They ended the Hammers' ten-match winless run, after Bournemouth had shattered an 11-game winless streak of their own, also against Spurs. With Burnley currently 13 outings without a victory, Spurs supporters could be forgiven for fearing the worst.
Creativity and goal-scoring continue to be their primary issue; the aforementioned absences of Maddison, Kudus, Kuluševski, Richarlison, and now Bergvall are certainly not helping in that regard.
However, the return to fitness of Dominic Solanke could make all the difference. After cameo appearances against Aston Villa and West Ham, the England international started for the first time all season following ankle surgery on Tuesday, showing exactly why they have missed him.
Dominic Solanke statistics vs Borussia Dortmund
Statistics | Dominic Solanke | Match rank |
|---|---|---|
Goals | 1 | 1st |
Expected goals | 0.83 | 1st |
Shots on target | 1 | 1st |
Key passes | 1 | 5th |
Aerials duels contested | 3 | 4th |
Aside from his goal, Solanke was doing centre-forward things. He was able to hold the ball up and bring team mates into play, which may sound simple, but deputies Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison have not been offering this.
Thus, against Burnley this weekend, Solanke surely must continue as the starting number nine, with Xavi Simons shifted centrally into the number ten role. With huge games against both Manchester clubs, Newcastle and Arsenal to come in February, if Frank is going to turn the tide of negativity at Tottenham, Solanke is likely to be a key component.