Five things we learned as Tottenham were denied a Premier League victory by Sunderland

Tottenham Hotspur have recorded a second successive draw in the Premier League, but many will feel the hosts should have put the game to bed when they had the lead.

Here are five things we have learned as Spurs continue to face pressure from their own supporters after another poor showing.

Spurs played well in the first half

Despite throwing the game away, Tottenham actually played some good football in the first half against Sunderland.

There was more balance in attack, with a natural wide option on the left and Wilson Odobert had some decent moments in a more central role.

Spurs pressed well and did not allow Sunderland to play their football in the first half. It is just a shame they were unable to take advantage with a second goal, because the visitors were allowed back into the game in the latter stages.

Mohammed Kudus’ injury has come at the worst possible time for Tottenham

Of course Mohammed Kudus has picked up his first injury as a Spurs player immediately after Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace.

Johnson was starting less and less for Tottenham and he barely featured on the right under Thomas Frank, because the manager preferred Kudus.

However, Spurs are now without both players, which leaves them in a concerning position as fixtures continue stacking up. The one positive is that this could cause the board to act with more urgency in the January transfer window, rather than leaving their business until the last minute.

Mathys Tel was a bright spark in the Spurs team

It would not be surprising if Mathys Tel is sent out on loan either sooner or later and his performance yesterday is unlikely to change that.

However, the 20-year-old did look bright in the first half against Sunderland and he got some shots on goal, despite not occupying the centre forward position.

With Kudus out, Tel could be handed more chances in the first-team. This would be a great opportunity because he has not been allowed to build up a run of form up to this point due to a lack of game time.

Randal Kolo Muani is not doing enough to earn a permanent Tottenham move

What a chance it was when a very good ball was played inside to Randal Kolo Muani when Spurs held a 1-0 lead. However, he completely missed the ball and eventually opted to shoot from a wide position, putting it out for a goal kick.

Other than this mistake, it is difficult to identify what Muani actually did to help Tottenham on Sunday and it is not the first time this conversation is taking place.

Whether Muani plays as a striker or as a winger, he is not doing enough for Spurs and scoring goals definitely appears to be a problem. As things stand, the Frenchman will be going straight back to PSG in the summer and Tottenham will not consider placing a bid to secure his services.

Thomas Frank needs to stop always erring on the side of caution

It was common when Jose Mourinho was in charge for Spurs to take a 1-0 lead and prioritise holding onto it, only to concede a goal in the latter stages of a game.

Frank’s Tottenham reign is seeing similar themes and this was certainly the case as Sunderland robbed the hosts of a victory, thanks to a late Brian Brobbey goal.

There appears to be a continual desire by Frank either to hold onto a one-goal lead, or to defend in order to secure a draw. However, this strategy could ultimately be costing Spurs points, because sometimes the best way to stay on top is by scoring again.

READ MORE – Tottenham 1-1 Sunderland Match Report: New year, same old boos for Thomas Frank

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