Tottenham Secures 2-0 Victory in Preseason Friendly Debut Under Thomas Frank

New Spurs manager Thomas Frank made a promising start, guiding Tottenham to a 2-0 win over Reading in a friendly match attended by over 22,000 fans. Frank rotated 22 players, each playing 45 minutes, as the team tested various tactics ahead of the season.

The match was evenly contested at halftime, but Tottenham scored twice early in the second half. Will Lankshear and Luka Vuskovic found the net, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange watching from the front row.

1) A Preview of Things to Come

Frank employed a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the game, using traditional full-backs, two holding midfielders, and a central attacking midfielder. Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley, both returning from loan spells, played as the number 10. The role could be filled by new signing James Maddison or Morgan Gibbs-White, if acquired from Nottingham Forest. Maddison, recovering from a knee injury, was absent, and Dejan Kulusevski, also injured, might join the rotation later.

Lineups:

• First half: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Danso, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Devine, Moore; Solanke.
• Second half: Vicario; Spence, Vuskovic, Van de Ven, Davies; Bergvall, Bissouma; Kudus, Donley, Son; Lankshear.

2) Impressive Newcomers

Vuskovic, an 18-year-old Croatian defender, showcased his talent by scoring and assisting in his first appearance, impressing fans and coaches alike. Kudus demonstrated sharp ball skills and involvement, creating chances and showing his attacking threat.

3) Focus on Set Pieces

Following criticism in previous matches, Frank emphasized set-piece routines during warm-ups. Tottenham scored twice from corners—Lankshear heading in one directly from Kudus’ delivery, and Vuskovic lurking for another opportunity—highlighting the coaching staff’s renewed focus on dead-ball situations.

4) Goalkeeper Choices

Frank’s decision in goal remains open, with Antonin Kinsky impressing with his ball-playing ability, compared to Guglielmo Vicario, who struggled with errors and set-piece issues but remains a seasoned leader. The choice will likely be made carefully as the season approaches.

5) Struggles Up Front

Richarlison, a key forward, was absent, exposing a lack of cover for center-forward Dominic Solanke. Lankshear and Kudus showed potential in attack, but Son Heung-min and others appeared out of rhythm, hinting at transfer activity and squad adjustments before the season starts.