A chorus of frustration echoed around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Spurs squandered a lead to draw 1-1 with a resurgent Sunderland. Hopes of a fresh start for home form were dashed by the Black Cats' strong second-half fightback in a match that grew increasingly ill-tempered.
An Unlikely Source Breaks the Deadlock
With Thomas Frank seeking more defensive solidity, Ben Davies was handed a surprise first start of the season at left-back. The move also aimed to free Pedro Porro to attack. The tactical tweak bore fruit after half an hour from a familiar source: a set-piece.
A poorly defended corner found its way to Micky van de Ven, whose low shot was deftly turned in by Davies from close range. It was the Welshman's 8th Premier League goal in over 11 years at the club and his first since December 2023. Spurs fans adapted a favourite chant to celebrate their unlikely hero.
Kudus Injury Compounds Attacking Crisis
The major setback for Frank came early. Key summer signing Mohammed Kudus, a £55 million arrival from West Ham, was forced off after just 18 minutes with a thigh injury. His departure exacerbated an existing attacking shortage.
With long-term absentees Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski already out, Frank had to turn to Randal Kolo Muani and later Dane Scarlett. The recalled Mathys Tel, making his first start since October, showed flashes but the forward line lacked cutting edge.
Sunderland's Second-Half Surge Secures Point
Sunderland, passive before the break, stirred after half-time. Spurs threatened on the counter but were increasingly pinned back in the final 20 minutes. Guglielmo Vicario made saves and Davies cleared off his own line before the pressure told.
The deserved equaliser came in the 80th minute. Enzo Le Fee provided a sweet pass for Brian Brobbey, who fired home emphatically. Spurs, who had earlier seen Romero venture up front in desperation, looked weary and could not find a winner, leaving to a soundtrack of boos.
