(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Ciaran Morrison

Tue 16 September 2025 22:10, UK

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is coming in for criticism from supporters for a decision he made during Spurs’ Champions League match with Villarreal.

An own goal from the Villarreal goalkeeper gave Spurs a fortuitous 1-0 victory to start their Champions League campaign.

Frank was appointed Spurs manager from Brentford over the summer and has had a positive start to his managerial tenure in north London.

Spurs’ 3-0 win at West Ham was their third in four Premier League matches, with only defeat against Bournemouth stopping Frank from making a perfect start.

Xavi Simons lucky to avoid sending off in Villarreal win

Xavi Simons joined Spurs from RB Leipzig and made his debut for the club in the win at West Ham.

Making his second start for the club, Simons was lucky not to be sent off for second booking during the second period.

It was a quiet night for the new signing, with Spurs sloppy in the second half as Villarreal created a few chances to come away from north London with a point.

Thomas Frank slammed by fans for Simons decision

Amid his lack of impact on the match, fans shared their frustration at the Dutchman not playing centrally.

The 22-year-old played on the left against Villarreal, and fans thought he would have made a greater impact in a central position.

One fan said it was “absolutely pointless,” playing Simons on the left whilst another said he was “wasted” on the wing.