Rule The Roost

Jack is joined by Phil to reflect on the weekend's loss to Liverpool. While losing to Liverpool is fairly commonplace for Tottenham, we discuss why the continued poor results and wretched home form are now a cause for major concern. We ask the uncomfortable question: Are Spurs actually too big to go down? We then dive into the psyche of the fanbase and the debate around "purity of ethos" versus winning at all costs. Does a rigid focus on playing a certain way hamper the club's ambition, or is that identity the only thing that matters? Finally, we delve into the Tottenham career of Fabio Paratici, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to Fiorentina. We question whether we will actually feel his loss, and run the rule over the signings made under his stewardship. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack reflects off the back of yet another home defeat and defeat to Liverpool - something you'd think we're accustomed to be now, but still the frustration grows. From bad refereeing to questionable decision making from the players - it still felt like a largely uninspiring affair, aside from a rousing ending spearheaded by Richarlison. It needn't be all negatives, but we seriously need to start winning games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to dive back into the shocking performance against Nottingham Forest, lamenting the wheels coming off the previous (minor) upturn in form. We ask if Spurs fans are being too hasty and emotional in calling for Thomas Frank's head now? Should we stick with him and ride this out, or is it only right that we hold dear to our identity as an attacking side and refuse to compromise? We try to find some positivity amidst the mire of the season, touching on the growing partnership between Xavi Simons and Archie Gray, and why the increased inclusion of the latter shouldn't become a culture war. Billie then answers your questions, discussing the idea of Mohammed Kudus playing a central midfield role to emulate Mousa Dembélé, and which fixture we would choose to play without VAR. Things then get a bit festive as we find out Billie's all-time favourite Christmas present and his definitive Christmas dinner side. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Mark Nesbit to discuss the fallout from Tottenham's humbling at the hands of Nottingham Forest. We dive into the "who was to blame" debate between Archie Gray and Guglielmo Vicario, which leads to a wider conversation about the goalkeeper spot. Is it imperative we replace him? And if the backup options aren't good enough either, is this just another sign that the recruitment and talent ID at the club is broken? We discuss whether this is Daniel Levy's legacy playing out before our eyes, and why the Lewis family need to address this sooner rather than later to stop the club sliding into a death spiral. Finally, we get onto Thomas Frank, should he be sacked? Would it be unhealthy to replace another manager so soon, and if we did, who on earth would take over? Theme Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After some promising form, a strangely abysmal performance from Spurs at the City ground. Forest fans will no doubt be revelling in this one after the summer's bitter back and forth between the clubs - but once again this felt like the sort of performance that Spurs might have lost, whoever the opposition was. Do Forest have better players at their disposal? Is Spurs' technical floor too low? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GET YOUR PREVIEW PODS AND AD-FREE PODS ON PATREON.COM/RTRPOD Jack previews Forest, as the title would suggest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Adam Nathan from An Echo of Glory to react to another great night in Europe as Spurs dispatched Slavia Prague. We discuss whether Thomas Frank is finally turning the corner, fuelled by the burgeoning synergy between Xavi Simons and Archie Gray and how pivotal that partnership will be for the rest of the campaign. Conversation then shifts to Mauricio Pochettino, who told the BBC this week that he has "unfinished business" in the Premier League. We ask the big question: would we actually have him back? Is the romanticism worth the risk, or should that door remain closed? Adam then tackles listener questions, including a deep dive into the pros and cons of Pedro Porro... is his attacking output enough to justify the defensive questions? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Phil back to the pod to bask in the glory of the perfect weekend: a Tottenham win and an Arsenal defeat. We discuss this specific brand of joy, how football dictates our mental health, and the unique "shine" the world takes on when results go our way. We then dive into the performance against Brentford, specifically the 'redemption' of Xavi Simons. Has he finally staked his claim and he absolutely ran the show? Conversation moves to Thomas Frank, his willingness to change his stance on Simons, the newfound aggression in the side, and why we must remember that he is learning on the job. We also touch on a fantastic showing from Archie Gray, look ahead to the Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, and close with a word on Mo Salah's incendiary comments at Leed and why they make us all the more grateful for the graceful way Sonny bowed out. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally, Spurs win a game at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium! Xavi Simons was star of the show as Spurs overcame Thomas Frank's old side at a time when the knives were well and truly out for the Danish manager. Spurs played with more intent and purpose than we've seen in a while (outside of the PSG game) and it paid off - there surely can be no reason to not play Xavi from now on? Jack dives into his feelings on the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Kish from Lilywhite Lab to try and make sense of the trip to St James' Park. We examine the reaction to the Newcastle game, trying to separate the emotional relief of the result from the rational assessment of the performance. Discussion then turns to the confusing case of Xavi Simons. Is his continued omission a simple struggle to adjust to the Premier League, or a more worrying reflection of a clash with Thomas Frank's style of play? We also dive into the midfield engine room and ask if it is finally time for Archie Gray to permanently displace Rodrigo Bentancur. Listener questions this week cover the Vicario Debate and whether it's time to upgrade or is the criticism overblown? And we find out who Kish would pick to replace Thomas Frank if the axe ultimately falls. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two worldies from Cristian Romero have spared Spurs yet another defeat in the Premier League after a wholly uninspiring performance from Thomas Frank's men. Tottenham's performance, however, pales in comparison to the shambolic officiating on display to award potentially the worst penalty ever seen. Jack has plenty to go on about with this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin to dissect yet another miserable afternoon in N17 as Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham. We digest the reality that Spurs have managed just one home win all season, and ask if time is finally up for Thomas Frank. Is he simply unable to handle this level of football, or is it too hasty to pull the trigger? If he does go, who steps in? They look into the potential candidates to replace him and weigh up the pros and cons of another managerial reset. We also touch on the ownership, despite the noise of a boardroom reshuffle, we ask if a leopard can truly change its spots, and discuss what we actually need to see to believe the club isn't entering a death spiral. Finally, we look ahead to Tuesday night's trip to Newcastle. Is there any hope of a result at St James' Park, or are we destined for another walloping? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the third time in less than seven days, Tottenham have tasted defeat. Only one win at home all season, and we lose to Fulham who had only one point away from home until today. Where do we go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Charlie Parrish to pick the bones out of the 5-3 defeat to PSG. We discuss why, despite the result, there were genuine green shoots of promise in Paris, diving into the stylistic shifts and personnel tweaks Thomas Frank employed, and what this new look means for the rest of the season. We also debate the Xavi Simons situation, is he just taking time to adapt, or is he the latest victim of the club's disjointed squad building? Questions this week cover whether we need to ignore the spectre of Arsenal's success to truly enjoy Tottenham again, what tracks would feature on Thomas Frank's Apple playlist, and the morality of passing on Spurs fandom to our children. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is on the mic to react to a breathless 5-3 defeat to PSG in the Champions League. It was a performance that arguably defied the scoreline. Plenty of attacking promise and evidence that Thomas Frank is attempting to be more positive, but ultimately undone by moments of madness at the back and the sheer quality of PSG. Discussion covers the harsh reality of individual errors at this level, why there is reason for stoicism rather than panic, and the undeniable positives to take from a chaotic night in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by friend of the show Phil to pick through the wreckage of a 4-1 battering at the hands of Arsenal. We discuss how the universe seems to have conspired to let Eze bag a hat-trick against us, the alarming lack of fight within the squad, and the urgent need for the Lewis family to make good on their promises and re-energise this husk of a football club. We also put the spotlight on Thomas Frank, is he the man for the long term, or is he struggling under the pressure of the job? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs barely even put up a fight in this shambolic display at the Emirates. Thomas Frank needs to have a word with himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes The Fighting Cock's head honcho Flav back to the show ahead of the North London derby for a defiantly anti-Arsenal chat. They get into Flav's disdain for the commodification of the fixture and whether the divide between the clubs has ever felt this wide since the peak Wenger years. Flav then answers your questions, from which injured player deserves the super magic sponge, to whether you'd trade a 4–0 derby win for a week of Marv-from-Home Alone-style trauma. There's also a debate about rogue roast dinner condiments, the place of HP and chilli sauce at Christmas, and Flav's favourite Radiohead tune. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the international break upon us, Jack brings some light relief to Rule the Roost by welcoming Dan Kilpatrick, Tom Hayward and Sean Walsh for a Spurs quiz special. Before the games begin, the panel reflect on Troy Parrott's standout week with the Republic of Ireland and whether Spurs were too quick to let him go. Then it's onto Quizmaster Tom Foin's meticulously crafted questions, from top-scoring nationalities to North London Derby brain-teasers, as the lads battle it out for Spurs trivia supremacy. A fun, semi-competitive detour from the usual soul-searching and arse wobbling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Big Jon Bass back to the pod to east the international break blues. Beginning with a discussion about the Man Utd game and the bigger picture on Frank's tenure, the pair swiftly dive into the fun stuff... Could you name Tottenham's greatest Premier League XI? Expect a few controversial shouts especially in the central midfield positions. Jon also answers your questions; are meal deal wraps a rip-off? Is wearing jeans at home ever acceptable? His dream garage as well as a chat on dads being hard. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Oly to reflect on Tottenham's weekend performance against Manchester United. They discuss Randal Kolo Muani's frustrating injury just as he was starting to find form, and ask whether Richarlison's time at Spurs should finally be up despite his goal. With fans calling for academy striker Dane Scarlett to be given a real chance, the pair debate whether it's time to throw him in and see if he's truly cut out for the Premier League. The conversation then turns to Thomas Frank. Is he really the right man to lead this project forward, or have we already seen enough to suggest that he quite simply isn't up to it? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a strange/frustrating/exhilarating match at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. Two teams who aren't quite sure of how good or bad they are, played out a game that answered little for either set of fans. Just as Richarlison thought he had won it (after a terrible performance from the Brazilian) De Ligt came back and notched an equaliser, which was probably fair on the balance of play. Frank's starting XI and subs have definitely raised a few eyebrows, but at least it wasn't a loss going into the international break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham cruised past FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, but beneath the 4-0 scoreline there's plenty to unpack. Jack is joined by Last Word on Spurs' own Ricky Sacks to discuss Micky van de Ven's outrageous solo goal, Xavi Simons finding form, and whether Thomas Frank's cautious midfield setup is holding Spurs back. They also talk Tottenham's recruitment, Richarlison vs Dane Scarlett, and answer your listener questions - from the origins of LWOS to Jah Wobble on Top of the Pops and whether or not Ricky would take 38 points for an FA Cup. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham run riot in North London with a dominant 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and it's Micky van de Ven who stole the show. The Dutch defender produced a surreal solo goal that surely has him in contention for the Puskás Award. Jack breaks down one of Spurs' best performances this season, discussing Frank's more progressive tactics, standout displays across the pitch, and what this result means for Spurs going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Cal from Below the Belt and The Fighting Cock to pick apart Tottenham's dismal showing against Chelsea, and ask the question, was it one of the worst Spurs performances of all time? They discuss whether Thomas Frank is really cut out for a job of this scale, unpack the van de Ven and Djed Spence incident that hinted at dressing-room tension, and debate whether the issues lie in personnel or system. The pair also look ahead to the Champions League clash with Copenhagen and what kind of signings Spurs need to make to truly push on. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A seriously poor performance from Tottenham has seen them slump to yet another defeat to Chelsea. Little in the way of attacking threat, disjointed passages of play and now ropey defending. Thomas Frank's work is cut out for him trying to change a few opinions on his brand of football right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T in the aftermath of Tottenham's draw at St James' Park. There's a sense of perspective about the result. Spurs were stoic in the face of Newcastle's quality, but the discussion soon turns to the work still needed in recruitment. The pair chat about Antonín Kinský's shaky display and whether the calls to replace Vicario were a bit premature, before digging into Xavi Simons' recent struggles with form. It's also a listener Q&A, featuring questions like: which 90s Spurs player would improve this team, what should happen with Dane Scarlett, what's Billie's go-to Gregg's order and could a Harry Kane return ever be on the cards? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Obviously it's never a joyful occasion to watch Spurs lose in a cup competition, especially if you're one of the fans who travelled up to Newcastle, but sometimes you just have to take it for what it is... Spurs being beaten by the better side on the night. Did we learn much from that one? Did Thomas Frank? Is Kinsky ready to take over from Vicario? Who knows... not me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to break down Tottenham's dominant display away at Everton, from Micky van de Ven's brace to the growing importance of set-pieces under Thomas Frank. Are Spurs evolving into a more pragmatic, mature side? And what does their efficiency from dead-balls tell us about how football is changing, especially when even Arsenal's open-play output has dipped despite sitting top of the league? We blame late-stage capitalism, because why not? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs have climbed to third in the Premier League after a solid, but strangely unexciting win away at whatever Everton's new stadium is called. The first team to score from a set-piece against Everton, as well as being the first team to beat them at their new ground in the Premier League. Thomas Frank's introduction of Kolo Muani from the beginning was a welcome addition, regardless of the Palhinha x Bentancur double pivot. How good are Spurs? Do we know? No. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following Tottenham's drab 0-0 draw with Monaco, Jack is joined by Dan Louw to ask whether Thomas Frank is really the right man to take Spurs forward. The football's tough to watch, the results aren't disastrous, but is it just mediocrity dressed up as progress? They also dig into Xavi Simons' faltering form, his crisis of confidence, and whether Spurs' issues can really be solved by new signings or if a change of manager would put Spurs on an upward curve. In the Q&A, Dan reflects on his classic Away Days YouTube series, the changing nature of football content, and whether he'd ever bring it back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham played out a goalless draw in Monaco in a largely forgettable match - more likely remembered for Thomas Frank's somewhat baffling team selection to start the match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin to break down Tottenham's defeat to Aston Villa, a result that laid bare the increasingly cautious nature of Thomas Frank's side. From the conservative midfield of Palhinha and Bentancur to the lack of attacking spark and Xavi Simons' quiet display, it was another afternoon where control seemed to take priority over creativity. The pair also question whether Spurs' struggles come down to tactics or personnel with Tel and Odobert under scrutiny and debate the ongoing concerns around Pape Sarr's minutes and Vicario's form. The chat closes on the bigger issue: Tottenham's home form and atmosphere. With ticket prices sky-high and the football often uninspired, is it any wonder the stadium feels flat? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa in a flat and frustrating performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite a bright start, Spurs quickly lost control and never looked convincing once Villa grew into the game. Questions are now being asked of Thomas Frank's reserved tactical approach, with his side once again lacking attacking impetus and creativity in the final third. Further scrutiny also falls on Vicario after another shaky display between the posts. A disjointed showing, a disappointing result and a warning that Spurs still feel some way off finding a rhythm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preview pods before every game on Patreon - patreon.com/rtrpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing the international break theme and easing that listless, no-Spurs feeling, Jack's joined by Tottenham's very own comms duo, Rob Daly and Ben Haines, to relive the unforgettable Europa League Final in Bilbao. They share what it was like being on the inside of one of the greatest nights in the club's history, from how they prepared to cover it professionally to the emotional high of witnessing a night where Spurs weren't just there to take part, but to win. There's talk of the surreal trophy parade that followed, the sheer scale of celebration, and why the whole atmosphere around the club that night felt so different. A must-listen for any Spurs fan who wants to feel that joy all over again. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham have announced a fresh £100m investment from the club's owners, but what does that actually mean? Jack speaks with Connor, aka Levynomics1882, to break it down in plain English. Is this real money Spurs can spend, or just clever accounting? What does it tell us about ENIC's plans, and why now? Everything you need to know about Spurs' latest financial shake-up. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Spurs this week, but plenty to talk about. Jack is joined by The Extra Inch's Windy to take stock of Tottenham's season so far. Is Thomas Frank genuinely builing a brighter future, or is his system limited? They debate whether the team's attacking issues come down to personnel or system, and share thoughts on Wilson Odobert's ability and potential dividing fans right now. Then it's onto listener questions:– How should we manage expectations around young players like Mikey Moore and Luca Williams-Barnet?– Which fumbled academy prospects could've made it if handled better?– Who of Kane, Bale or Modric at their Tottenham peak would transform this side most? These and many more. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to discuss Tottenham's 2-1 win over Leeds United, a huge result before the international break that ends Leeds' long unbeaten run at Elland Road. The lads talk about Spurs' growing solidity under Thomas Frank, the remarkable stat of being the only Premier League team not to concede in the final 15 minutes of games, and whether Frank's pragmatic, low-xG style is sustainable. There's praise for Mathys Tel after his goal, Xavi Simons' influence through the middle, and Udogie's return to form. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs became the first team to win at Elland road since September 2024 as they left Yorkshire the victors this afternoon. Despite another solid performance full of belief from Frank's men, there remains some skepticism from the fanbase. Shouldn't we just get on with it and try and enjoy the fact that Spurs aren't losing loads of games at the moment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Jon Bass of the Man's Not What podcast for the latest Thursday Q&A. We reflect on Spurs' frustrating Europa League draw with Bodo/Glimt — where Thomas Frank needs to take the blame, but also where he's actually doing a good job. Which players should be stepping up, and are the younger talents being asked to carry too much pressure too soon? Then it's over to your questions, from what kind of pants Thomas Frank might wear, (and what Jon wears when tackling a burglar in the night), to which Spurs player could finish a family-sized M&S turkey and stuffing pie, and the player you'd least want beside you during a marathon. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham were held to a 2-2 draw away at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League after one of their most shambolic displays in recent memory. The Norwegian side pressed relentlessly, played with real confidence, and fully deserved their lead, while Spurs looked disjointed, lacking belief and organisation. Even with key players missing, should Thomas Frank's side have had enough quality to see off opposition like this? Is the blame on the players, or is Frank struggling to adapt to the demands of managing a club the size of Spurs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Joel from the Coys R Us podcast to reflect on Tottenham's frustrating 1-1 draw with Wolves. Was Thomas Frank too cautious in his setup, or are Spurs' struggles in attack more about the injuries in the final third? With Kulusevski, Solanke, Kolo Muani and Maddison all sidelined, the lads discuss whether the lack of urgency is tactical or circumstantial. There's also chat on Mathys Tel, why patience is needed with him, and what business Spurs may need to do in January to boost their squad options. Finally, attention turns to the midweek clash with Bodo/Glimt as Spurs look to bounce back in Europe. Theme: Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was one of those nights for Tottenham, dominant without any real threat in patches, outright wasteful in others, and ultimately relieved to salvage a draw. A point gained feels like much more than it should. Big questions loom for Frank, can his side start to be more creative in attack? How long can Vicario's lapses be tolerated? And is this ugly draw a warning sign or a building block? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here's a little peek behind the paywall. Find previews before each game, as well as other stuff, at patreon.com/rtrpod. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare (also of the Football Clichés podcast) to reflect on his time covering Tottenham Hotspur. Did he feel gutted to stop reporting on Spurs just as they lifted the Europa League? Were the club too harsh in sacking Ange Postecoglou, and is Thomas Frank really the man to take Spurs to the next level? Charlie also answers your questions: did covering Spurs give him a kind of Tottenham Stockholm syndrome despite not being a fan? How does covering tennis differ from football? And what are the most clichéd tropes in the way Spurs are written about in the press? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Tom Hayward to pick apart Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Brighton, reflecting on how Thomas Frank has raised the team's floor and brought much-needed stability before Spurs turn their focus to more expressive football. The pair dive into Daniel Levy's long-lasting legacy on transfers and squad building, and how its impact is still felt today. There's a frank discussion on whether players like Vicario, Richarlison and Solanke are of the calibre to push Spurs higher up the table, as well as praise for Xavi Simons' growing influence from a central role. The pod rounds off with a look ahead to Doncaster in midweek and the importance of Spurs securing more silverware. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham came back from 2-0 down to even out a game that they could have ultimately taken all three points in. Thomas Frank is unlikely to fend off many of his early critics with a performance that will have frustrated many, but should display the spirit within this squad to fight until the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Bardi from The Extra Inch to unpack Tottenham's Champions League win over Villarreal, a result that has split the fanbase. Are Spurs right to prioritise clean sheets, or is the lack of creativity a growing concern? The pair dig into the Joao Palhinha debate and whether he's a valuable presence or, as Bardi has been known to call certain midfielders, a “cement mixer.” They also look ahead to Brighton, asking whether Thomas Frank has struck the right balance between pragmatism and progressiveness in his Spurs setup. Listener questions include whether or not Frank lives up to the “Swiss army knife” manager Bardi once wished for during the Ange era? What's the long-term plan for Archie Gray? And, most importantly, what are Bardi's top five cheeses? All that and more. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It may have been a struggle at times, but Spurs have kicked off their Champions League campaign with a win and a clean sheet. In Thomas Frank's first Champions League match, Tottenham's young side played with real purpose and got the job done against a well organised and difficult opponent in Villarreal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to reflect on Tottenham's 3-0 win at West Ham and what feels like the start of a proper new era under Thomas Frank. The pair discuss how Spurs are looking more organised, the growing debate around João Palhinha's place in midfield, and the rise of Pape Matar Sarr who's emerging as one of the league's brightest young talents. They also praise Lucas Bergvall's superb headed goal before turning attention to Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Villarreal and daring to dream of biggest of European glories. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices