Dion Dublin thinks Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will take the positives from the 2-2 draw with Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 with Manchester United in their Premier League clash in North London after an injury-time equaliser from Matthijs de Ligt.
Spurs were cautious in their approach once again as they decided against taking the game to Manchester United. The visitors slowly got into the game and Bryan Mbeumo eventually scored in the 32nd minute. Thomas Frank’s side were largely poor in possession, failing to open up the visitors’ defence.
The home side did show more intent after the break. Cristian Romero forced Man United goalkeeper Senne Lammens into his first save with a close-range header, before Joao Palhinha’s volley drew another stop. Both efforts came from set-piece situations rather than open play, though, illustrating Tottenham’s limited invention.
The north Londoners didn’t look capable of salvaging the game until the 84th minute, when goals from substitute Mathys Tel and Richarlison turned the game on its head. However, De Ligt popped up to snatch a late point for Man United with a header on the back post.
Ex-Man United striker gives his reaction to the game
It was a dramatic end to the game, a result that Tottenham and our fans will be frustrated with. Having almost secured three points, poor defensive organisation and marking allowed De Ligt to score the equaliser right at the death.
Generally, Thomas Frank would not have been pleased with the overall display of his team. His tactical changes and substitutions did work, as Tel and Odobert were crucial in turning the tide from 1-0 down to 2-1 ahead. Ex- Man United striker Dion Dublin feels the Spurs boss will be measured with his approach in the dressing room after the game and take the positives available from the game.
“I don’t think Thomas Frank will go [into the dressing room] ranting and raving. I think he will be quite calculated and he will try and take the positives from that,” Dion Dublin told on BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t BBC Sport).
“His players will be as low as a snake’s belly and he will try and keep them up rather than keep them down.”
Frank should take the positives
As Dublin feels, Frank could and should take the positives from the 2-2 draw with United. In comparison to the drab home defeat to Chelsea where Tottenham were far away from their standards, the performance today, especially in the second half was filled with intent and eagerness to get a positive result.
The best part is the players did not give up and kept going. Substitutes Tel and Odobert were instrumental for the comeback, and had Frank’s side kept their focus intact from the corner via which De Ligt scored, we could’ve had our second win at home in the league. Overall, Frank must be positive with his players’ reaction and fighting spirit.