Thomas Frank aims to solidify Tottenham’s defense, emphasizing clean sheets. After improved defensive displays and a Champions League victory, Frank focuses on maintaining discipline against Brighton. Brighton seeks a turnaround after a loss, while key players Yankuba Minteh and Xavi Simons are highlighted.
Tottenham Hotspur's new manager, Thomas Frank, is determined to solidify the team's defense, emphasizing clean sheets as a cornerstone of their strategy. Following a series of encouraging defensive performances at the start of the season, Frank aims to build on this foundation and transform Tottenham into a defensively resilient side.
Taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou this summer, Frank has overseen six competitive matches, with an impressive four of them resulting in clean sheets. This defensive solidity was evident in their recent Champions League victory over Villarreal, where a 1-0 win, courtesy of an own goal, showcased their improved defensive capabilities.
This marks a significant turnaround for Tottenham, who had previously struggled defensively, conceding a high number of goals in the previous season. The team's vulnerability was further highlighted by their high expected goals against (xGA) statistic, indicating a pressing need for defensive reinforcement.
As Tottenham prepares to face Brighton at the AMEX Stadium, Frank is keen to maintain the defensive discipline his team has demonstrated. "In any competition, it’s good to get three points and get a good start. I’m happy with that," Frank told reporters, expressing his satisfaction with the team's progress. "I’m happy with the clean sheet. I’m happy with the defensive side of the game. I think we were extremely good and limited Villarreal to very little throughout the game."
Frank emphasized the importance of a strong foundation, stating, "It was a very even game that we edged in the end. What I like is that our foundation is strong. Now we are four games won, three in the Premier League, one in the Champions League, and we have four (clean) sheets, which is massive."
Meanwhile, Brighton suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in their recent match, with Antoine Semenyo playing a key role for the Cherries. Brighton's form has been inconsistent, with two losses in their last three Premier League games, a stark contrast to their previous nine matches where they experienced only two defeats.
Brighton's manager, Fabian Hurzeler, acknowledged his team's shortcomings in the defeat to Bournemouth. "I think we don’t have to lose this game. We controlled the game quite well, we had chances, the first goal was unlucky when we had 10 men on the pitch," Hurzeler said, reflecting on the match. "The second goal was an easy mistake. It feels disappointing but we have to show a reaction. We can’t be happy but we have to keep on going, focus on our performances and then results will come."
Players to Watch:
Brighton – Yankuba Minteh
Despite Brighton's defeat, Yankuba Minteh stood out with his performance, leading the team in several key statistics, including shots, touches in the opposition box, duels won, and successful dribbles. His impressive take-on success rate ranks among the highest in the Premier League.
Tottenham – Xavi Simons
Frank has called for patience with Xavi Simons following his performance against Villarreal. Despite this, Simons has shown promise, marking his Premier League debut with an assist and contributing to several goals in his recent appearances.
Match Prediction: Brighton Win
Brighton, who completed a Premier League double over Tottenham last season, will be aiming to reignite their campaign with a positive result. Their strong home record makes them a formidable opponent. However, Tottenham's away form has been impressive, with two wins and no goals conceded. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair.
OPTA Win Probability:
Brighton – 47.4%
Draw – 26.2%
Tottenham – 26.4%