Tottenham secured a 2-0 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night, at least clinching a play-off spot and providing temporary relief as pressure mounts around Thomas Frank.
The victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a significant response after Saturday’s heavy Premier League defeat to West Ham, which led to increased scrutiny of the manager’s position.
Cristian Romero took the lead in the 14th minute and Dominic Solanke added another goal eight minutes before half-time.
The game changed decisively in the 26th minute when Daniel Svensson received a red card, giving Spurs a one-man advantage for much of the match.
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The win moved Tottenham up to fourth in the Champions League standings and ensured their progression, with hopes of securing a top-eight finish that would allow them to avoid the play-off round dependent on their next European showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Frank played against Dortmund with limited options due to injury problems plaguing the team.
Solanke made his first start since May and scored his first goal of the season against Dortmund, while 17-year-old Junai Byfield made his Champions League debut off the bench.
Frank called the performance “magical” and proof that everyone was “on the same page,” but his comments carried the weight of someone needing to justify his continued employment.
However, injury concerns deepened significantly for Tottenham during Tuesday’s win.
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Lukas Bergvall recovered from his injury at Bournemouth to start against Dortmund, but was substituted after 60 minutes after suffering another setback.
Swedish news outlet Fotbollskanalen reported tonight that the 18-year-old now faces two to three months out, a huge blow for both club and country.
The timing proved particularly unfortunate for Sweden’s World Cup play-off preparations, with Fotoborskarren reporting that Bergvall would miss the semi-final against Ukraine on March 26.
Tottenham reportedly brought on Bergvall despite the team’s continued problems with the injury crisis, a decision that ultimately backfired.
Bergvall now joins a long list of stars on Spurs’ treatment table, with Mohamed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrygo Bentancur and Richarlison all sidelined, just to name a few.
The midfielder’s forced absence has frustrated Sweden coach Graham Potter since he took over in October.
Potter also faces the possibility of being without Alexander Isak, who has a foot injury that requires surgery, while goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has undergone surgery and his availability for the March games remains in doubt.
Dejan Kulusevski has also been absent since May last year, but the pair attended Tuesday’s Champions League game together.
Saturday’s visit to Burnley is crucial for Tottenham. Regardless of Tuesday’s success in Europe, another defeat would put Frank’s tenure in serious jeopardy.
Now, Frank will be without a key player in the first team again for a long time.
In response to this, Spurs’ January recruitment negotiations are certain to intensify, with negotiations to sign West Ham’s star currently underway.
Tottenham are in loan talks with West Ham player and Thomas Frank loves him
This is the second link between Spurs and the Hammers star today…
