The Athletic FC Podcast Summary

Episode: Are Spurs Fans Losing Faith in Frank?
Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimwolere
Panel: Chris Waugh, Charlie Eccleshare, Dan Kilpatrick, (later) Jordan Campbell

Episode Overview

This episode examines the dramatic Premier League clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, focusing on issues of faith and identity at both clubs. The debates center on Newcastle’s failure to hold leads, Spurs’ uninspiring attack under Thomas Frank, and growing fan unease with both clubs’ trajectories. The latter half spotlights Erling Haaland’s historic goal-scoring feats and Manchester City’s ongoing evolution under Guardiola.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Newcastle 2–2 Spurs: Late Drama, Defensive Lapses, and Set-Piece Chaos

[02:30–06:34]

• Newcastle Drop Points Again

  • Newcastle now lead the Premier League for most points dropped from leading positions: 11 this season.

  • Chris Waugh critiques their inability to maintain focus and notes psychological scars from previous late concessions.

    “That’s 11 points dropped from winning positions... Newcastle had thrown away draws against Liverpool and Arsenal at home. It just felt very frustrating.”
    — Chris Waugh [03:20]

• Romero: Spurs’ Unlikely Hero

  • Cristian Romero scores both Tottenham goals—one described humorously as a “rubbish overhead kick” sneaking through a crowded box.

  • Spurs only managed two shots on target; their attack continues to underwhelm.

    “It almost does a disservice to every single other overhead kick... It looks rather shambolic.”
    — Chris Waugh [03:31]

    “This was more just about two huge moments from Romero to save them.”
    — Dan Kilpatrick [06:17]

• Lack of Attacking Spark

  • Spurs have gone four straight league games without a first-half shot on target.
  • The consensus: the draw flatters Spurs, who showed little tactical imagination.

2. Spurs’ Mentality and Leadership Crisis

[06:34–09:14]

• Positive Spin vs. Lingering Problems

  • Jamie Carragher (quoted) and panelists agree: Spurs’ resilience is notable, but feels more like a sticking plaster than progress.

    “You can spin it positive... but Carragher’s point was, it didn’t really feel like that. They were better, but the bar was incredibly low.”
    — Jordan Campbell [06:51]

• Leadership Vacuum

  • Son’s absence keenly felt; Romero as captain brings some leadership, but the team lacks a galvanizing on-pitch figure.

  • James Maddison also cited as a missing key leader.

    “They need a cult hero...someone who can calm things down when it gets like it did against Fulham. I think Romero can be that.”
    — Jordan Campbell [07:56]

3. VAR Controversy: Newcastle’s Contentious Penalty

[09:14–13:41]

• Was It a Penalty?

  • Debate centers on the decision against Betancur for hauling Dan Burn down—the panel agrees it’s a foul but not enough for VAR intervention.

  • Spurs fans express outrage but even Spurs-supporting panelists admit it probably should stand once referred.

    “That was the frustrating thing. It shouldn’t have been reviewed but I wouldn’t have been at all shocked had the referee given that.”
    — Jordan Campbell [10:48]

  • Discussion on Dan Burn’s “classic English” status possibly influencing refs, with light humor about his honorary doctorate.

4. Newcastle and Spurs: Parallel Struggles and Club Identity

[17:19–24:13]

• Inconsistency for Both Sides

  • Newcastle hampered by injuries, a disruptive summer, squad rotation issues, and aging core players.

  • Spurs, after stylistic overhaul with Thomas Frank and juggling European fixtures, face a crisis of both depth and belief.

    “Their inconsistency is quite befuddling... maybe they’re focusing on the cup and Champions League, and not often enough in the league.”
    — Chris Waugh [17:30]

    “You just can’t rotate for the Champions League like you do with the Europa League. And if you throw in a few injuries to key players—it’s hard.”
    — Dan Kilpatrick [19:12]

• The Spurs Faith Question

  • Jack Pitt-Brooke’s post-match piece explored whether fans and players believe in the project under Frank—a lack of connection and confusion about the club’s direction pervades.

    “These threads are broken... I don’t think the players fully respect Frank...no one knows who the board are anymore.”
    — Jordan Campbell [21:10]

  • The fleeting “panacea” of trophy success: winning the cup did not resolve deeper issues at Spurs.

    “Maybe that wasn’t the panacea. We haven’t kicked on.”
    — Dan Kilpatrick [22:54]

5. Ambitions and Models: What Do Spurs and Newcastle Want to Be?

[24:13–26:55]

• Spurs’ Identity Crisis

  • Ongoing uncertainty about whether to prioritize trophies, entertainment, or consistent Champions League qualification.

  • The board’s vision—and resources—remain unclear.

    “What is the purpose of Tottenham? I think we’re still trying to work that out—and worryingly, so is the boardroom.”
    — Jordan Campbell [23:36]

• Newcastle’s Big Dreams (and Constraints)

  • New CEO has re-articulated massive ambitions: not just to win a trophy, but to be England’s No.1.

  • Financial regulations, squad depth, and commercial revenue challenge that path.

  • Goal for this season: European qualification at minimum, preferably Champions League.

    “The ambitions are huge, but can they fulfil them? We won’t know for years to come.”
    — Chris Waugh [26:55]

6. Frank’s Tenure at Spurs: Fan Dissatisfaction and What Next

[26:55–32:50]

• Parallels with Nuno’s Demise

  • Recent Derby defeats stir memories of quick manager sackings.

  • Frank’s reputation as a “safe pair of hands” clashes with fans’ desire for ambition and identity.

    “[There] was something about that defensive approach...if you flip the record, his standing would be a lot better.”
    — Dan Kilpatrick [27:21]

  • Fans want excitement and the chance to dream—Frank’s pragmatism brings low ceilings and apathetic vibes.

    “With Frank, I don’t see a high ceiling. What if he gets it right? Maybe some competent performances to stabilize us, which is maybe needed...but it’s not that sexy a period to live through.”
    — Charlie Eccleshare [29:45]

  • Debate about whether post-Klopp/Arteta hope is possible under Frank; sense that Postecoglou, though imperfect, reconnected club to its roots briefly.

7. Managers Who Let Fans Dream: Comparing Howe and Frank

[32:50–35:12]

• Howe’s Subtle Inspiration

  • While restrained in media, Howe imbues Newcastle with hope, never limiting ambitions.

    “He taps into something about the identity here...making fans want to dream.”
    — Chris Waugh [33:11]

  • Board alignment and clear vision means Howe is under no short-to-medium term pressure.

• Spurs’ Disconnect

  • The lack of inspiration and vision extends from the boardroom to the dressing room and fans, multiplying uncertainty.

8. January Transfer Window: What’s Next?

[35:12–37:15]

• Newcastle: Incremental Upgrades

  • Possible to front-load summer business in January, especially at fullback.

  • Linked with Kees Smith—a Willock departure may be necessary.

    “They’d like to bring in players if they can... it’s not going to be mass overhaul.”
    — Chris Waugh [35:23]

• Spurs: Awaiting Injured Reinforcements

  • Defensive signings already training, more creative spark expected as players return (Kulusevski, possibly Maddison in spring).
  • Ambitious move for Semenyo could boost fan confidence.

9. Haaland Joins Premier League Legends: Fastest Century

[38:47–51:01]

• Erling Haaland’s Landmark

  • Becomes fastest ever to 100 Premier League goals—111 games, smashing previous records.

  • Panel draws parallels with all-time greats.

    “Every week...there’s another record. He makes Van Nistelrooy look like a bandit!”
    — Jordan Campbell [42:09]

• Guardiola’s Adaptability Key

  • Pep’s evolving tactics now provide counter-attacking opportunities for Haaland; concern about squad balance as new signings bed in.

  • Will Haaland maintain his numbers if Pep leaves and City’s system shifts? Debate remains.

    “A lot thought there’s no way Pep will play with a striker like Haaland—he’s showing he can coach every type of player.”
    — Jordan Campbell [44:50]

• Warning Signs for City

  • Defensive instability: at least two goals conceded in their last four games.

  • Loss of experienced, title-winning squad members; newcomers still adapting to Premier League intensity.

    “There’s a real trend here where City are actually playing quite well, and then they cannot sustain it...it’s quite alien to watch.”
    — Jordan Campbell [47:36]

Notable Quotes

• “It’s just not going to last. Can Frank change? I can’t think of many managers who have radically adjusted their approach... but that’s what has to happen if Frank’s going to be a success at Spurs.”
  — Jordan Campbell [31:43]

• “What is the purpose of Tottenham? ... I think we’re still trying to work that out—and worryingly, so is the boardroom.”
  — Jordan Campbell [23:36]

• “He’s an extraordinary player and person. It’s not always positive, but he can pop up with things like that when you really need it.”
  — Dan Kilpatrick on Romero [06:13]

• “He’s a freak of nature... the only danger is that we become so used to it that you almost get desensitized.”
  — Jordan Campbell on Haaland [43:16]

Key Timestamps

• [02:30] – Host introduction, match context
• [03:09] – Newcastle’s defensive failings and Romero’s “overhead” equalizer
• [05:02] – Spurs’ attacking struggles, Romero’s huge moments
• [06:34] – Is there encouragement for Spurs? The mentality debate
• [09:14] – The Betancur–Dan Burn penalty incident and VAR controversy
• [17:19] – Discussing both clubs’ league form and root causes
• [21:10] – Spurs’ fractured support for Frank
• [24:36] – Newcastle’s ambitions and future
• [26:55] – Can Frank ride out fan apathy at Spurs?
• [32:50] – Managers: letting fans dream (Howe vs Frank)
• [35:12] – Transfer window plans for both clubs
• [38:47] – Haaland’s 100th goal: City’s win at Fulham
• [42:09] – Haaland’s records in context; legacy talk
• [47:36] – Guardiola’s City: defensive issues, transitions, and Premier League challenges

Tone and Style

The conversation is open, informed, and engaging, with the panel drawing on reporting, tactical knowledge, and fan perspectives. The tone is occasionally wry, particularly regarding VAR and managerial appointments, but the underlying analysis remains rigorous.

Summary prepared for listeners new to this episode or seeking a comprehensive breakdown of the major themes and talking points.