Thomas Frank seems to have seen enough calls out Tottenham’s biggest flop directly
Tottenham Hotspur once again proved to be their own worst enemy, as what looked like progress quickly turned into another step backward. After a brief spell of optimism, Spurs crashed out of the League Cup with a dismal 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United — a performance that left supporters frustrated and questioning the direction under head coach Thomas Frank.
The early exit from the competition was not just a result of poor luck; it was another sign of a team that cannot seem to find any rhythm in attack or consistency in performances.
Tottenham’s showing at St. James’ Park was flat, uninspired, and painfully familiar. Despite flashes of improvement in recent weeks, particularly in the 3-0 Premier League win over Everton, the underlying problems were once again laid bare. Even that victory owed more to Micky van de Ven’s remarkable brace from set pieces than to any real attacking fluidity. Without the Dutch defender — or his usual partner Cristian Romero — Spurs looked disorganized defensively and toothless going forward.
The most worrying aspect of Tottenham’s defeat wasn’t just the scoreline, but the manner in which they played. The midfield lacked creativity, the press was disjointed, and the attack once again failed to impose itself. It was another reminder that, despite a few promising moments under Frank, Spurs’ attacking unit still hasn’t clicked.
At the center of the criticism was Richarlison, who once again led the line but produced a performance to forget. The Brazilian striker, who has been given repeated chances to rediscover his form, endured another torrid evening. He looked off the pace, mistimed runs, and squandered several decent opportunities to bring Tottenham back into the game.
After the match, Thomas Frank — normally a composed and diplomatic figure — didn’t hold back completely when speaking to the media. As reported by The Spurs Express, the Dane admitted:
“We created some big chances. Sometimes Richarlison arrived too late.”
It wasn’t a full-blown public rebuke, but coming from Frank, who rarely singles out individuals, it spoke volumes. For a manager known for his calm and measured tone, those few words carried the weight of genuine disappointment.
Richarlison’s struggles have now become a recurring theme of Tottenham’s campaign. Since the opening weeks of the 2025/26 season, his form has plummeted alarmingly, and Wednesday’s display might have been his lowest point yet. While Spurs didn’t play terribly as a collective — controlling portions of the game and carving out half-chances — their inability to finish those chances ultimately proved fatal. With even a semi-competent performance from their No. 9, the result might have looked very different.
What makes matters worse is the perception that Richarlison is no longer in sync with his teammates. While nobody questions his effort or desire, his movement often appears disconnected from the team’s buildup. He presses at the wrong moments, drops deep when he should be stretching the defense, and when the ball finally reaches him in promising areas, his finishing lets him down.
The Brazilian’s work rate remains high, but much of it is misplaced energy — running without direction, battling without reward. Tottenham did create a handful of quality chances against Newcastle, yet Richarlison squandered them all, leaving fans and pundits alike exasperated.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to defend him. At this stage, even Frank might be quietly regretting his decision to keep Richarlison through the summer transfer window. There were whispers of interest from several clubs, and though the potential offers may not have been significant, moving him on could have opened space for a more clinical forward — someone better suited to the tactical structure Frank is trying to implement.
For Tottenham, this defeat raises uncomfortable questions about their depth and ambition. The League Cup represented one of their best chances of ending their long trophy drought, yet they exited with barely a fight. Unless the team can rediscover its attacking spark and find consistency soon, Frank may find himself under growing pressure — and Richarlison’s starting place could quickly become one of the first casualties of that reckoning.