Tottenham star slammed for failing to make an impression vs Newcastle, but Thomas Frank should have seen this coming

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of a domestic cup run came to a disappointing end as they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United in the League Cup, bowing out with little resistance at St. James’ Park.

 

It was a night to forget for Thomas Frank’s side, who looked second-best in every department against the reigning champions. Tottenham were outworked, outthought, and outmuscled, failing to match Newcastle’s intensity or tactical sharpness. The defeat not only exposed familiar frailties in midfield but also raised serious questions about Frank’s tactical setup and player selection.

 

One glaring absence was that of Joao Palhinha, whose absence left a huge void in the middle of the park. Without the Portuguese enforcer’s strength and composure, Spurs struggled to gain any sort of control in midfield. Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr were tasked with holding things together in a double pivot, but the experiment backfired.

 

Sarr, in particular, endured a frustrating evening. Deployed in a deeper role, the young Senegalese midfielder looked uncomfortable and uncertain, unable to stamp his authority on proceedings. His natural game — full of forward runs, pressing, and attacking intent — was shackled by the defensive responsibilities of a holding role. Newcastle, sensing weakness, dominated the midfield battle and used it as a platform to dictate the game’s tempo.

 

Football London handed Sarr a 5/10 rating for his display, noting: “Ghosted through large spells of the match. Did force a brilliant save from Aaron Ramsdale on the hour mark. Has craved a starting berth but failed to make an impression.” It was a fair assessment of a player who found himself caught between roles, unable to influence the match as he normally does.

 

Frank’s decision to play Sarr in a deep pivot against a high-energy Newcastle side was a tactical gamble that simply didn’t pay off. Eddie Howe’s team thrives on midfield dominance and pressing aggression, and Spurs’ setup played directly into their hands. Instead of using Sarr’s energy and creativity further forward — where he can drive at defenders, press effectively, and link play — Frank anchored him deep, stripping the team of its natural rhythm.

 

The result was a Spurs midfield that looked passive and disconnected. Transitions were slow, passing lanes were easily cut off, and Newcastle exploited the spaces left open with ruthless precision. Every time Tottenham tried to build through the centre, they found themselves swarmed and dispossessed, leaving the backline under constant pressure.

 

This match should serve as a valuable lesson for Frank. Sarr is not, and never will be, a defensive midfielder. His talents lie in the final third — bursting into space, combining with the attack, and pushing the tempo. When he plays as a true No. 8, Tottenham’s game has more drive and unpredictability. When he is asked to sit deep and dictate, the team loses balance and attacking thrust.

 

There have already been glimpses this season of what Sarr can offer when freed from defensive shackles — his dynamic pressing, late runs into the box, and link-up play have often changed games for Spurs. Frank must recognize that and build around his strengths, not stifle them.

 

Tottenham’s League Cup exit will sting, not just because of the result, but because of the manner of the defeat. The lack of urgency, tactical clarity, and midfield control all contributed to a performance that fell well below expectations. For Spurs to grow under Frank, lessons must be learned — and one of the clearest is this: Pape Matar Sarr is an attacking engine, not a holding shield.

 

The experiment failed, and Tottenham cannot afford to repeat it. If they are serious about challenging for silverware, they must play to their players’ strengths, not force them into roles that nullify their impact.