The first hour in Bodø on Tuesday night was the performance the pessimist within every Tottenham fan suspected would play out in the Arctic Circle five months ago.
Kjetil Knutsen's side are a mightily tough out on home soil, yet our surprisingly comfortable progression into the Europa League final via Bodø/Glimt's Aspmyra Stadion gave us the impression that our recent Champions League bout would be similarly straight forward.
It was anything but.
The hosts should've been three up by the time Micky van de Ven offered Thomas Frank's men hope, and Spurs were still trailing 2-1 entering the final ten minutes. Frank had seemingly used his trump cards, with Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons being introduced, but the Dane had another up his sleeve.
Step forward: Archie Gray.
It's time for Thomas Frank to trust Archie Gray
The Englishman has recorded just two starts this season, having been utilised here, there and everywhere amid the club's injury crisis by Ange Postecoglou last season.
Gray was used as a full-back, centre-half and at the base of midfield, but it's in a more advanced position at the start of 2025/26 that's helping many supporters realise why the club committed more than £30m to sign him from Leeds United in 2024.
It was an excellent performance in the Carabao Cup against League One Doncaster Rovers which functioned as the first eye-opener. Gray, who marauded up and down the right half-space like an English Kevin De Bruyne, displayed distinct grace in possession, performing with a swagger that we've seldom seen from the teenager in N17.
He was, perhaps harshly, unused in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wolves, but Frank sought Gray to help Spurs rescue something from their trip to Bodø on Tuesday night. Within six minutes of his introduction, the 19-year-old had done what was asked of him.
Making an impact 👍 pic.twitter.com/7Wd0iIrfYl
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 30, 2025
Again penetrating the right half-space, Gray recognised the optimal time to dart in behind and receive Pedro Porro's pass. His movement created the opening, and a fierce strike on goal rebounded beyond Nikita Khaikin after the goalkeeper's initial save. 2-2. Spurs were out of jail.
Gray's midweek contribution and recent performance in the cup deem him worthy of a bigger role in Frank's framework, especially given the struggles Spurs are currently having with the ball in the middle of the park. The new manager has so far preferred caution over bravery, but there will come a point when Frank needs to let loose.
The utilisation of João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in tandem has already cost the Lilywhites points, with only one, preferably Palhinha, needing to start at Elland Road this weekend. Assuming Palhinha offers Bentancur respite and Frank doesn't use them both, there are two midfield spots up for grabs.
The manager has so far been hesitant to use Xavi centrally, while Lucas Bergvall could do with a rest before the international break. Pape Matar Sarr is regarded as integral.
If Sarr and Palhinha are shoo-ins for Saturday and Xavi starts wide left with Destiny Udogie providing support on the overlap, Gray should be the man to start on the right side of Spurs' engine room. The Englishman has plenty to work on out of possession, but he could supply his team with the requisite bravery, guile and penetration from the middle of the park at his old stomping ground.