What we learned from Tottenham Hotspur’s draw to Bodo/Glimt
Tottenham’s inconsistent form carried on as they travelled north of the Arctic Circle to face Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. Just four months ago, the Lilywhites comfortably dispatched the same opponents in the Europa League semi-finals on their way to the final.
This time, however, things were very different. Playing in their first-ever home game in the Champions League proper, Bodo/Glimt rose to the occasion at the Askmyra Stadion and took the game to Spurs from the very first whistle. The Norwegian side looked determined to make their mark on Europe’s biggest stage, and it was clear to see that Tottenham were second-best in nearly every department for much of the contest.
Despite falling 2-0 behind, Thomas Frank’s side managed to claw their way back late on, eventually salvaging a 2-2 draw. It was yet another dramatic comeback – the recurring theme of Spurs’ season so far under the Danish tactician.
Still, the draw left plenty of questions, with several key talking points emerging from the night.
Xavi Simons needs to play as a #10 from the start
One of the biggest surprises for Spurs fans was seeing Xavi Simons named among the substitutes once again. The Dutchman’s time at N17 has been stop-start so far, with Frank choosing to ease him into regular action. But his absence from the start was sorely felt in Norway.
Tottenham’s lack of creativity was glaring, with the team failing to fashion a meaningful chance until after the hour mark. The #10 position was particularly problematic. Lucas Bergvall, deployed in the advanced role ahead of Simons, struggled to make an impact or provide a creative spark. This is not the first time Frank has opted for Bergvall over Simons in the playmaker role, but the decision is raising increasing concern among supporters.
While Simons has had a slow start at Hotspur Way, the only way for him to adapt and find rhythm is by playing consistently in his natural position. Brief cameos and occasional stints no the wing are unlikely to help him settle. Tottenham have invested heavily in the Dutch star for his creative abilities, and many fans feel it is time Frank trusted him with a sustained run of games.
Richarlison is not the answer for the striker position at Tottenham
Whether Thomas Frank likes it or not, the Danish tactician is currently stuck with Richarlison as his first-choice striker at N17. The Brazilian began the campaign brightly, showing flashes of his potential and even starting the season with a bang. But since becoming a regular under Frank, his form has quickly faded.
The 28-year-old’s brace against Burnley on the opening weekend now feels like a distant memory. Since then, the Spurs No.9 has found the back of the net just once in his last eight appearances – a worrying return that highlights how ineffective he has been in front of goal.
The numbers tell the story. As per Sofascore, Richarlison managed just nine touches during Tottenham’s Champions League clash with Bodo/Glimt. Alarmingly, two of those came from kick-offs after the Lilywhites had conceded. For a centre-forward leading the line, such minimal involvement is deeply concerning.
At this point, Richarlison is beginning to look more like a liability than a solution. Spurs desperately need their injured strikers back to full fitness, and once Solanke and Kolo Muani return, the Brazilian may benefit from being taken out of the firing line. A spell on the bench could allow him to reset and regain the sharpness that has been missing from his game.
Thomas Frank’s pragmatic approach backfired
Tottenham supporters were left baffled when Thomas Frank opted to bench Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus for the Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt. Instead, the Danish tactician handed starts to Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert, a decision that signalled Spurs were set up to play on the counter-attack against the Norwegian side.
In hindsight, the plan massively backfired. Thomas Frank’s intention was to use pace on the flanks, with Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr tasked with winning possession higher up the pitch to launch quick transitions. However, the approach only invited pressure. Bodo/Glimt dominated possession – holding close to 60% of the ball – and pinned Spurs deep in their own half for long spells.
The result was a toothless attacking display. Tottenham showed virtually no creativity, struggled to carve out clear chances, and even saw Richarlison forced to drop deeper in order to defend. The lack of attacking threat highlighted the flaws in Frank’s pragmatic setup.
The game turned only after Simons and Kudus were introduced in the second half. Their arrival immediately added spark and invention, proving that benching them in favour of a counter-attacking strategy was the wrong call.
As the season progresses, Spurs fans will be hoping Frank learns from this mistake. With the international break approaching, the Danish tactician will have time to reassess his tactics and find a more balanced way to consistently get the best out of his players.
