REACTION: Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham (League Cup) | Spurs Lose Fair And Square To The Better Team

A seriously poor performance from Tottenham has seen them slump to yet another defeat to Chelsea. Little in the way of attacking threat, disjointed passages of play and now ropey defending. Thomas Frank's work is cut out for him trying to change a few opinions on his brand of football right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T in the aftermath of Tottenham’s draw at St James’ Park. There’s a sense of perspective about the result. Spurs were stoic in the face of Newcastle’s quality, but the discussion soon turns to the work still needed in recruitment. The pair chat about Antonín Kinský’s shaky display and whether the calls to replace Vicario were a bit premature, before digging into Xavi Simons’ recent struggles with form. It’s also a listener Q&A, featuring questions like: which 90s Spurs player would improve this team, what should happen with Dane Scarlett, what’s Billie’s go-to Gregg’s order and could a Harry Kane return ever be on the cards? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Obviously it's never a joyful occasion to watch Spurs lose in a cup competition, especially if you're one of the fans who travelled up to Newcastle, but sometimes you just have to take it for what it is... Spurs being beaten by the better side on the night. Did we learn much from that one? Did Thomas Frank? Is Kinsky ready to take over from Vicario? Who knows... not me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to break down Tottenham’s dominant display away at Everton, from Micky van de Ven’s brace to the growing importance of set-pieces under Thomas Frank. Are Spurs evolving into a more pragmatic, mature side? And what does their efficiency from dead-balls tell us about how football is changing, especially when even Arsenal’s open-play output has dipped despite sitting top of the league? We blame late-stage capitalism, because why not? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs have climbed to third in the Premier League after a solid, but strangely unexciting win away at whatever Everton's new stadium is called. The first team to score from a set-piece against Everton, as well as being the first team to beat them at their new ground in the Premier League. Thomas Frank's introduction of Kolo Muani from the beginning was a welcome addition, regardless of the Palhinha x Bentancur double pivot. How good are Spurs? Do we know? No. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following Tottenham’s drab 0-0 draw with Monaco, Jack is joined by Dan Louw to ask whether Thomas Frank is really the right man to take Spurs forward. The football’s tough to watch, the results aren’t disastrous, but is it just mediocrity dressed up as progress? They also dig into Xavi Simons’ faltering form, his crisis of confidence, and whether Spurs’ issues can really be solved by new signings or if a change of manager would put Spurs on an upward curve. In the Q&A, Dan reflects on his classic Away Days YouTube series, the changing nature of football content, and whether he’d ever bring it back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham played out a goalless draw in Monaco in a largely forgettable match - more likely remembered for Thomas Frank's somewhat baffling team selection to start the match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin to break down Tottenham’s defeat to Aston Villa, a result that laid bare the increasingly cautious nature of Thomas Frank’s side. From the conservative midfield of Palhinha and Bentancur to the lack of attacking spark and Xavi Simons’ quiet display, it was another afternoon where control seemed to take priority over creativity. The pair also question whether Spurs’ struggles come down to tactics or personnel with Tel and Odobert under scrutiny and debate the ongoing concerns around Pape Sarr’s minutes and Vicario’s form. The chat closes on the bigger issue: Tottenham’s home form and atmosphere. With ticket prices sky-high and the football often uninspired, is it any wonder the stadium feels flat? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa in a flat and frustrating performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite a bright start, Spurs quickly lost control and never looked convincing once Villa grew into the game. Questions are now being asked of Thomas Frank’s reserved tactical approach, with his side once again lacking attacking impetus and creativity in the final third. Further scrutiny also falls on Vicario after another shaky display between the posts. A disjointed showing, a disappointing result and a warning that Spurs still feel some way off finding a rhythm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preview pods before every game on Patreon - patreon.com/rtrpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices