Dane begins Spurs reign with a frank win in pre-season friendly opener

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their pre-season campaign – and the Thomas Frank era – with a composed 2-0 victory over Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday. While pre-season results are rarely definitive, Spurs fans were eager to glean early signs of Frank’s tactical approach, and they weren’t left disappointed.

Frank named two entirely different XIs for each half, using the friendly to experiment and observe. Goals came early in the second half from striker Will Lankshear and new signing Luka Vuskovic, the latter delivering an assured debut performance that added polish to a strong team display.

Under the watchful eyes of chairman Daniel Levy and rising technical director Johan Lange, Spurs controlled proceedings against League One opposition also undergoing change under new ownership. The travelling fans, still buzzing from May’s Europa League triumph, created a lively atmosphere and serenaded the team throughout.

Tactical Shape & Fluidity

Frank opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, but with plenty of tactical fluidity – a hallmark of his style. Mikey Moore, starting on the left, had the freedom to drift inside and link up with the No.10, Alfie Devine. This movement opened space for Destiny Udogie to surge forward from full-back as Spurs built play through a back-three shape. Brennan Johnson stretched the pitch from the right flank.

In midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur anchored the double pivot, with Pape Matar Sarr driving forward when space allowed. The second half maintained this structure but flipped the focus: debutant Mohammed Kudus – signed from West Ham – moved centrally from the right, letting Djed Spence overlap.

Out of possession, Spurs pressed aggressively in a 4-4-2 shape, with the No.10 pushing high to initiate the press.

Though only the first outing under Frank, the match offered a glimpse into what’s to come: a tactically astute, flexible Tottenham side eager to build on their recent European success.