Thomas Frank guides Tottenham to disciplined away victories while preparing to face Brentford at the club he once managed

For Thomas Frank, heading back to Brentford isn’t just another fixture on the calendar.

It’s a homecoming of sorts, a return to the club he once guided to promotion and helped cement in the Premier League.

The warm welcome is guaranteed, but Frank knows he can’t let nostalgia get in the way of results.

Tottenham’s impressive away form has been the shining light of his first five months in charge, and he won’t want to lose that edge now.

Tottenham’s Away Form Shines Bright

Spurs have been far more comfortable on the road than at home this season.

With 17 points taken from nine away games compared to just eight at home, it’s clear that Frank’s squad thrives when the pressure is off.

He chalks some of it up to coincidence — he’s seen similar patterns before at Brentford — but there’s more than luck at play.

Away games allow him to play the Spurs he wants: structured, disciplined, and opportunistic.

Back to Basics Under Frank

Frank’s Tottenham is built from the ground up.

After two years of expansive, free-flowing football under Ange Postecoglou, Frank prioritised organisation at the back, defensive discipline, and set-piece efficiency.

This approach is safer and more manageable on the road, where teams often cede possession.

Away from home, Spurs don’t have to entertain for entertainment’s sake — they can focus on structure, counterattacks, and calculated threats.

The Beauty of Ugly Wins

Take the recent 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace. Frank called it a “beautiful ugly win,” praising the hunger in his players’ eyes.

Fans at Selhurst Park agreed, applauding the determination and grit that secured all three points.

Even against big teams like Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, Spurs have shown they don’t need the ball to dominate the game.

Strategic positioning, quick counters, and set-pieces have consistently brought success.

Set-Pieces and Unlikely Scorers

Set-pieces remain a trademark of Frank’s Spurs. Of the 16 away goals so far, six came from dead-ball situations.

Interestingly, the team isn’t relying solely on strikers for goals — defenders and midfielders have been key contributors.

Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr, and Richarlison have all chipped in, while youngsters like Archie Gray have also made their mark.

Away from home, Spurs are precise, disciplined, and deadly in these moments.

Home Games Bring Different Pressures

At home, the story changes. Tottenham fans expect style, flair, and attacking adventure — not just disciplined, counter-attacking football.

The crowd can be impatient, jeering players for mistakes or perceived lack of creativity.

Games against Bournemouth and Fulham highlighted this, with Spurs dominating possession but struggling to convert.

Frank has responded by adjusting his tactics, aiming for quicker transitions and more attacking freedom in midfield.

Young Talent Steps Up

Part of this home evolution involves giving younger players opportunities.

Nineteen-year-old Archie Gray has been instrumental since Palhinha’s absence in league games.

Forward contributions have increased at home, with Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Brennan Johnson all finding the net.

Spurs are slowly balancing the need for control with the demand for excitement, though Frank acknowledges there’s still work to do.

Injuries, Suspensions, and Adaptation

Frank’s plans have also been shaped by absences.

Key creative players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke haven’t always been available, and Xavi Simons is currently serving a suspension.

Yet Frank remains optimistic, talking about “adding layers” gradually rather than seeking instant fixes.

He has a track record of developing goal-scorers and creating prolific teams — and he believes Spurs are on that same path.

Lessons From Away Success

The confidence gained on the road is invaluable.

Clean sheets, smart counters, and set-piece efficiency have built a solid foundation.

Wins at Crystal Palace, Manchester City, and previous away games have proven that Spurs can succeed even when the opposition dictates play.

Returning to Brentford, Frank will hope to maintain this mindset, blending tactical discipline with flashes of attacking creativity.

Onward Journey for Tottenham

Frank is clear-eyed about the task ahead.

Tottenham are a team in transition, working on consistency, creativity, and tactical flexibility.

Away form has been reassuring, but home expectations and squad limitations mean the journey is far from complete.

One thing is certain: Frank’s Spurs are building something sustainable, layer by layer, and the lessons learned away from home will continue to shape their evolution.

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