Tottenham suffered their second home defeat of the season at the hands of Aston Villa in the Premier League
Tottenham’s worrying trend at home continues to pose a major problem for Thomas Frank this season. The recent Premier League defeat to Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means the Lilywhites have now won just three of their last 18 home league matches. It’s a statistic that highlights how the North London club has failed to capitalise on its home advantage under Frank.
No one seems to understand why Spurs continue to struggle to grind out results at N17. It appears that their poor home record is playing on the minds of the players, preventing them from stepping up when it matters most. This season alone, Tottenham have managed just one home victory in the Premier League — a win that came against newly-promoted Burnley on the opening day.
Frank’s men had the chance to move up to second in the league with a win against Aston Villa. Prior to the match, the Danish coach emphasised his desire to turn the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into a fortress once again. However, his side failed to rise to the occasion and instead suffered their second home defeat of the season.
Tottenham need to turn the tides around at N17 this season
If Spurs are serious about competing on all fronts this year, they must ensure their home record matches that of the league’s top sides. Currently, the Lilywhites have the fourth-worst home record in the Premier League, collecting just four points from their first four home games. The subdued atmosphere inside the stadium hasn’t helped either, as Frank’s men continue to falter on familiar turf.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has now urged Spurs to make full use of their home support and instil fear in visiting teams. Speaking on BBC Match of the Day (via X), Deeney said,
“Last year, concentrating on Europe was the excuse. But what happens is that it starts to bleed into this year. Now you’ve got to try and step in the tide and get it going to make it a fortress.”
The ex-Watford striker added,
“But the problem is… it’s such a nice ground, everyone enjoys going there. So when you’ve had those moments to put the ball in the box and make teams nervous, they’ve got to do that and kill teams.”
Tottenham had a reasonable explanation for their poor home form last season, as the club shifted its focus to the Europa League. However, there are no excuses this time around. Despite a more pragmatic approach against weaker opposition, Spurs have failed to deliver the kind of dominant home performances expected of them.
Deeney believes the grandeur of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium actually motivates visiting teams to raise their game – something that Spurs must counteract by playing with greater intensity and attacking intent. It is now up to Thomas Frank and his players to turn their home ground into a true fortress once again.
Whether the Lilywhites can reverse their fortunes at N17 remains to be seen. But if they are to build on last season’s Europa League success and sustain a top-four challenge, improving their home form must be at the top of Frank’s priorities.
