‘Never Ever’ – Thomas Frank Hits Back at Eberechi Eze ‘Inspiration’ After Tottenham Beat Man City Despite Being Snubbed by £67.5m Arsenal Star

Spurs Show Steel at the Etihad as Eze Chooses Arsenal

Football often throws up stories of drama off the pitch that seem to intertwine with results on it. This weekend, much of the Premier League narrative revolved around Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace playmaker whose transfer saga reached its conclusion in stunning fashion. For weeks, Tottenham Hotspur looked destined to land the England international. Talks were advanced, personal terms were close, and the deal seemed inevitable. Then, at the very last moment, Arsenal swooped in, paying £60 million upfront, plus add-ons that could rise to £67.5m.

It was a gut punch for Spurs supporters. Losing out to a direct rival is always bitter, but to miss out on a creative midfielder at a time when James Maddison is sidelined with injury made it even more painful. Many wondered if this blow would affect Tottenham’s morale heading into their clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad.

Instead, Spurs produced their most complete performance of the season. Goals, resilience, and tactical clarity carried them to a 2-0 win over the reigning champions.

Yet, when asked post-match if the Eze snub was used as “inspiration” for the performance, head coach Thomas Frank was quick to dismiss the idea. His answer was sharp, clear, and full of conviction.

What Thomas Frank Said

The Danish tactician has earned respect for his no-nonsense approach, both in the dressing room and in front of the media. After being pressed on whether Tottenham’s display was a direct response to losing out on Eze, he responded firmly:

“I think that’s very, very easy [to answer]. I never ever use one word about any player that’s not at our club.”

Frank’s words underline his philosophy: focus only on what you have, not what you don’t. The win, he stressed, was about the players on the pitch, not those who got away.

And perhaps that attitude is exactly what Spurs need. For too long, the club has lived with the shadow of “what might have been” — missed signings, collapsed deals, promises unfulfilled. Frank is determined to shift that mindset.

Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League

The Bigger Picture: Losing Eze, Beating City

Make no mistake: losing out on Eberechi Eze hurts Tottenham. The 27-year-old would have slotted seamlessly into the side, especially during Maddison’s injury layoff. His creativity, ability to glide past defenders, and eye for goal made him one of the most coveted attacking midfielders in the league.

Arsenal, who had been monitoring the situation quietly, pounced at the perfect time. By securing Eze, they’ve not only added depth and versatility to their midfield but also dealt a psychological blow to a rival who believed they were in control of the negotiations.

Yet football has a way of flipping narratives quickly. Hours after the transfer was confirmed, Spurs walked into the Etihad and delivered a statement victory. Against a City side known for suffocating opponents, Tottenham stood tall.

It wasn’t just the goals that impressed — it was the structure, the discipline, the belief. Players like Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, and Cristian Romero stepped up, showing that Spurs still have quality within their ranks.

What This Win Means for Tottenham

Beating Manchester City away is not something many teams manage. For Tottenham, it reinforces a growing belief that they can compete at the very top under Thomas Frank’s stewardship.

This isn’t the same fragile Spurs side of old. There is grit here, an edge, and a sense of unity. While they may still lack depth in certain areas — especially creative midfield — the system Frank is building seems designed to maximize the players he does have.

The timing of the victory is also important. It came just as critics were beginning to question whether Tottenham’s bright start to the season was sustainable. Losing Eze could have derailed momentum. Instead, it seems to have hardened their resolve.

Did Arsenal’s Hijack Add Fire?

Even though Frank insists he “never ever” uses outside factors as motivation, human nature suggests the players might have felt an extra spark. Athletes often channel frustration into performance, and missing out on a transfer target to Arsenal — of all clubs — might have provided just that.

Still, the victory should not be reduced to an emotional reaction. Spurs prepared meticulously. Frank outmaneuvered Guardiola tactically, pressing at the right moments and staying compact without the ball. It was a disciplined, professional display that showed Tottenham are evolving into a team capable of upsetting the very best.

What Next for Spurs?

tottenham manchester city

The win against City won’t suddenly erase Tottenham’s need for reinforcements. The summer transfer window closes on September 1, and the clock is ticking. Spurs remain unbeaten, but sustaining a top-four push — or even dreaming bigger — requires depth.

A creative midfielder is still essential. Whether Spurs pivot to another target after missing out on Eze remains to be seen, but the recruitment team will be under pressure to act fast.

Their next challenge comes at home against Bournemouth, a game they are expected to win. Maintaining consistency will be key. It’s one thing to win big against City; it’s another to back it up with three points against teams lower down the table.

Final Thoughts: Spurs Are Building Something

Thomas Frank’s words may have been dismissive, but they carried weight. Tottenham, he insists, are not defined by the transfers that don’t happen. They are defined by the players who wear the shirt, who fight for the badge, and who deliver results like the one at the Etihad.

Yes, Eze chose Arsenal. Yes, it stings. But if Spurs keep showing the resilience and quality they did against Manchester City, supporters may not dwell on the missed signing for long.

The truth is simple: Frank’s Tottenham are developing into a side with backbone. For a club often accused of being brittle in the big moments, that’s perhaps the most important signing of all — a new mentality.