Tottenham booed off after Sunderland draw as pressure mounts on Thomas Frank

Tottenham started 2026 by dropping more points at home and were booed off after Sunderland struck in the 80th minute through Brian Brobbey to rescue a 1-1 draw.

Spurs claimed only four Premier League home wins during the last calendar year but were on course for three points when Ben Davies scored a rare goal in the 30th minute.

It was a timely boost for Thomas Frank amid a difficult winter period where a lack of style and attacking flair has led to criticism from a disgruntled fanbase.

With Tottenham one up midway through the second half, Frank’s decision to introduce midfielders Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall in an attempt to seal the win backfired as it invited more pressure from a spirited Sunderland outfit.

Regis Le Bris watched his surprise-package side deservedly equalise with 10 minutes left in north London when Brobbey lashed home to make it just one defeat in eight matches.

After chants of ‘boring, boring Tottenham’ at Brentford on Wednesday following a dull encounter, Frank shuffled his pack and versatile French forward Mathys Tel was handed a first start since October.

Tel signalled his intent immediately with a snapshot from range straight at Robin Roefs, but it at least represented a shot on target for Spurs after only 62 seconds.

Richarlison had a weak effort soon after before a dangerous cross by Pedro Porro sparked a wave of noise from the South Stand as Sunderland showed signs of fatigue after a busy festive spell.

However, Tottenham’s momentum was halted when Mohammed Kudus was forced off in the 19th minute with a left leg injury. It was a cruel twist of fate given the club sanctioned Brennan Johnson’s move to Crystal Palace on Friday.

With no Johnson on the bench, Randal Kolo Muani was deployed in