Frank delighted with Simons’ upturn in form for Tottenham

Thomas Frank revealed his delight when asked about Xavi Simons after Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Simons scored from the penalty spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after an earlier own goal from David Zima and a spot-kick from Mohammed Kudus.

Spurs are now unbeaten in each of their last 21 major European home matches (W17 D4) since a 0-1 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League in February 2020.

It’s Spurs’ longest unbeaten run at home in Europe since a run of 42 between 1961 and 1984.

Simons scored his first goal for Spurs last weekend against Brentford, where he also registered an assist in their 2-0 Premier League win.

Frank was pleased to see Simons build on his performance against the Bees as he looks to gain confidence in a Spurs shirt.

“I think he built on a good game on Saturday, produced again,” said Frank on Simons.

“Good link-up play, nice turns in the middle of the pitch and has acceleration to go past a player.

“I like his work ethic and there was great recovery run on 90 minutes which is crucial for us.”

Spurs have won 100% of their Champions League home matches this season (3/3), recording more victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the competition than they have managed in the Premier League – winning just two of their eight in the league at home this season (25%).

Frank’s side moved up to ninth in the league phase, just one place off the last 16 spots with two games to go.

The Danish coach believes his side can still improve, but their busy schedule is currently limiting them.

“Very happy with win, strong position to progress. Just happy to have four days before Forest now,” Frank added.

“The way Prague play they will be a threat on transition and you need to close that down.

“I liked a lot from our performance but I also think we can be much better in the future. Be more in control but we've had four games in not many days.”