Tottenham stumble against Burnley heightens scrutiny on Frank amid Citys triumph
Thomas Franks position faces fresh danger following Tottenhams 2-2 stalemate away to struggling Burnley on Saturday, allowing Manchester City to narrow the gap on Premier League frontrunners Arsenal to just four points.
Frustrated Tottenham supporters directed their ire towards the head coach once more after the prior weeks costly 2-1 loss to West Ham, with chants echoing You are getting dismissed come morning.
The ex Brentford manager had found some respite courtesy of a 2-0 midweek Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund.
However Tottenham headed to Turf Moor urgently seeking a Premier League success, having managed only two triumphs in their last 13 domestic outings.
The away team controlled the opening period and rightly took the lead via Micky van de Vens forceful left foot effort, capitalising on Burns failure to defend properly.
Yet they allowed a goal right on the brink of the interval as Axel Tuanzebe slotted in a Kyle Walker delivery, and the situation deteriorated further for them when Lyle Foster fired Burnley into the lead during the 76th minute.
In a tense conclusion, Xavi Simons struck the bar for Tottenham before skipper Cristian Romero nodded in an equalising header at the 90 minute mark.
This result positions Tottenham in 13th place on the standings.
City narrow the margin
Pep Guardiolas Manchester City arrived at the Etihad on a four match winless streak in league play during 2026, still reeling from a humiliating 3-1 Champions League setback against Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.
Erling Haaland started on the substitutes bench following a mere single goal across his previous five league appearances, as Guardiola noted his key attacker required time to refresh his mental and physical state.
Defender Marc Guehi featured for the first time just five days post his switch from Crystal Palace, helping to alleviate Citys severe backline woes that had sidelined John Stones, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Egyptian attacker Omar Marmoush opened the scoring for the hosts in the sixth minute, clinically converting a Matheus Nunes pass for his inaugural Premier League strike this campaign.
City extended their advantage to 2-0 just prior to the break through Antoine Semenyos third effort overall for the team since his recent transfer from Bournemouth to the Etihad.
This success propels City onto 46 points, trailing Arsenal by four, with the leaders set to face Michael Carricks Manchester United on Sunday.
Meanwhile basement dwellers Wolves, 14 points adrift of salvation, seem destined for relegation despite a modest improvement in form lately.
Fulham overturned a deficit to defeat Brighton 2-1 at Craven Cottage.
Samuel Chukwueze levelled matters by negating Yasin Ayaris impressive opening half effort from the away team, and Harry Wilson netted the decisive goal deep into added time.
Earlier West Ham overwhelmed Sunderland 3-1 to secure back to back victories and edge nearer to Premier League survival by two points.
The hosts had virtually secured the contest by the interval thanks to Crysencio Summervilles initial strike, Jarrod Bowens spot kick and a stunning distance shot from Mateus Fernandes.
Nuno Espirito Santo indicated that West Ham must reinforce during the January window to sustain their fight against the drop.
We have one week remaining, he commented. I remain convinced we must adjust our roster. Additional choices are required in certain areas.
League title holders Liverpool take on Bournemouth in the late fixture, presenting an opportunity to solidify their fourth spot.
Mohamed Salah, back from the Africa Cup of Nations, earned a place in the Premier League XI for Liverpool for the first instance since November.