Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham: Four Tottenham Players Thomas Frank Can’t Rely On Ahead of PSG Clash Following Crushing Defeat
First up is a player who initially seemed like a clever signing at the start of the season. Joao Palhinha made a huge impact during his first Premier League spell with Fulham, but his return to England has quickly gone downhill.
The Portugal international still shows his defensive awareness and ability to read danger in midfield, yet flashes of why he struggled at a club like Bayern Munich are becoming apparent. Palhinha’s limitations on the ball and struggles to maintain possession make it hard to justify him as a guaranteed starter. Fans were quick to criticize his underwhelming performance at the Emirates, with one remarking: “Should’ve known what we were in for when he chose Palhinha over a proper passing midfielder. That sums up everything Frank has tried to do with this team.”
Another supporter added: “Palhinha is shockingly bad. Bentancur is somehow worse. Both need to go,” hinting at the player discussed next. A third fan summed it up harshly: “Palhinha. I’ve given him countless chances; he’s so poor. Doesn’t matter how many tackles he makes. He’s been useless today, and I don’t want us signing him. Painfully average footballer.”
Rodrigo Bentancur
Palhinha’s midfield partner, Rodrigo Bentancur, also faced online frustration. The duo were thoroughly outplayed by Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze. While Arsenal often dominates midfield, the way they were overrun raised concerns. One fan insisted Frank should be held accountable: “Playing Palhinha and Bentancur together more than three times should be a sackable offense.”
Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie has rarely been a regular starter under the former Brentford boss. While off-field issues may have played a role, the young Italian also appears ill-suited to Frank’s system. Once a dynamic full-back known for constant overlapping runs, he now seems a shadow of his former self.
He struggled against Bukayo Saka and was sloppy in possession, losing the ball 13 times, which only increased pressure on his team. Whether it was an off day or a sign of ongoing struggles under Frank remains uncertain, but the early signs are concerning.
Kevin Danso
Some eyebrows were raised when Tottenham lined up with Kevin Danso alongside the usual centre-back pairing, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. On paper, the move promised defensive stability and the chance for Danso to utilize his long throw-ins.
In practice, it was a different story. Danso was caught asleep for the opening goal, allowing Trossard to drift unmarked into the box. His poor performance led to a halftime substitution, signaling Frank recognized the mistake. While he won all three of his duels, Danso’s limited ability on the ball made him an easy target for Arsenal’s press.
