Match report: Spurs 2-0 Dortmund
It was a contender for shock result of the season. Nobody had given Tottenham any hope after Saturday’s Premier League disaster here against West Ham, one which had come coated in vitriol for Thomas Frank. The fans had demanded his immediate removal as the manager only for him to stagger on.
The execution was stayed. But here were Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga’s second-placed team, who had lost only three games all season, to apply the final cut. Frank could see the bones in his resources – 13 players unavailable, only 11 established outfielders from which to select.
And yet Spurs rebelled. Frank rebelled and when it was over, he could reflect on taking a huge step towards direct qualification into the Champions League’s last 16. It was a fourth home win out of four in the competition – and a fourth clean sheet.
Thomas Frank's reaction
I’m very happy that we won the game for various reasons – mainly that it was a good performance, especially first half. I liked how we started the game: front foot, aggressive, positive. We scored two good goals and kept a clean sheet as well.
I’d have loved us to keep the ball a bit better in the second half, but we haven’t won as much as we’d want to, especially at home, so it was important to get it over the line.
The fans were absolutely great, and they were really behind the team, so I’m very happy with that. The atmosphere and the energy really transmitted to the players.
We need to bring this win and this performance to Burnley [at the weekend]. It’d be amazing to finish in the top eight [in the Champions League] – we’ll focus on Burnley first and then think about that.
[On Xavi Simons’ performance] First and foremost there were many good bits. I liked his mentality to push through and play with pain. I liked his determination and focus, and I think he had some decisive actions.
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