He’s a Monster’ – Frank Has Given ‘Proper Player’ Who Dominated Man City New Life

Tottenham Hotspur have made the perfect start to their Premier League campaign – two games played, two games won, and, perhaps most impressively, two clean sheets. For a club that stumbled through a chaotic season under Ange Postecoglou, the transformation under new boss Thomas Frank has been nothing short of remarkable. Spurs look more balanced, more resilient, and far more pragmatic, particularly when it comes to defending – an area that cost them dearly last term.

 

Frank, who swapped Brentford for North London in the summer after guiding the Bees to multiple seasons of stability, has wasted no time stamping his tactical blueprint on this Tottenham side. Where Postecoglou’s adventurous approach often left Spurs exposed, Frank has introduced a level of discipline and structure that has made them far harder to break down. The results speak for themselves.

 

Last season, Spurs languished in 17th place, undone largely by defensive frailties. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, despite showing promise, managed just four clean sheets in 24 Premier League appearances. Now, only two matches into the new campaign, he has already registered half that tally. The difference isn’t simply down to individual performances – it is the collective defensive organization that Frank has brought to the side.

 

The Palhinha Effect

 

Of course, even the most well-drilled system needs the right personnel to execute it, and Frank has quickly identified midfield as the foundation of his Tottenham project. Among those to shine brightest so far is Joao Palhinha, a player who already looks like one of the bargains of the summer.

 

The Portuguese midfielder, signed on loan from Bayern Munich, was handed his first Premier League start for Spurs at the Etihad against Manchester City. It was a big stage for a player who endured a difficult year in Germany, struggling to adapt to Vincent Kompany’s system after leaving Fulham in 2024. But back in London, in a league where he had already proved his worth, Palhinha looked instantly at home.

 

His performance against City was defined not only by his decisive goal – a powerful strike that doubled Spurs’ lead – but also by his commanding presence in midfield. Supporters, both in the stands and online, were quick to heap praise on the 30-year-old. Clips of him shrugging Bernardo Silva off the ball went viral, accompanied by captions such as: “Palhinha is a proper player” and “70% of the Earth is covered by water, the rest is covered by Richy & Palhinha.” Others urged the club to make his loan permanent immediately: “Palhinha has been a top signing. I’ve seen enough.”

 

Numbers That Tell the Story

 

The stats backed up the eye test. Palhinha completed 21 of his 26 attempted passes, many of which helped Spurs reset under pressure or launch quick transitions for their front three of Brennan Johnson, Mohamed Kudus, and Richarlison. He won six of his 10 ground duels, came out on top in both of his aerial battles, and recorded four tackles, two clearances, and a crucial block. Yes, he lost possession nine times, but his relentless ability to win it back more than compensated.

 

This was the Palhinha Premier League fans remembered from Fulham – a midfield enforcer who not only shielded the defence but also served as the link between defence and attack. Under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, he had been the glue that made Fulham stubborn to break down, and in Frank’s Spurs, he looks set to reprise that same role on a bigger stage.

 

Lessons from Germany, Revival in England

 

His struggles in Munich should not be mistaken for a lack of quality. As many observers noted, Bayern’s system often forced Palhinha into positions that didn’t suit his natural game, leaving him exposed. In contrast, Frank’s approach has given him the platform to thrive. Against City, his destructive qualities and composure in possession were perfectly showcased, echoing the performances that once made him one of the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders.

 

Had Tottenham been wearing white rather than their away kit at the Etihad, fans might have mistaken the performance for a highlight reel from his Fulham days. It was, in essence, a reminder that Palhinha remains a top-tier midfielder when deployed correctly.

 

What It Means Moving Forward

 

For Tottenham, the implications are clear. With Palhinha anchoring the midfield, Spurs suddenly look like a side capable of competing at both ends of the pitch. His ability to protect the backline, win second balls, and spring counters could be invaluable in matches where Tottenham may not dominate possession – particularly against top-six rivals.

 

More broadly, his arrival underlines the intelligent recruitment and tactical clarity that Frank has brought with him. Spurs are no longer a side reliant solely on attacking flair; they now have balance, grit, and a defensive spine. With two wins, two clean sheets, and growing belief in the squad, Tottenham’s start to the season feels less like a fluke and more like the beginning of a genuine resurgence.

 

And at the heart of it all is Joao Palhinha, the midfield warrior who has turned a new chapter in North London and, in the process, may well become the signing that defines Tottenham’s revival.

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