Thomas Frank responds to brutal Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence Tottenham snub in Chelsea loss

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has given his verdict on Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence snubbing his request to applaud supporters after defeat to Chelsea

Thomas Frank has responded to what looked like both Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence ignoring him at the full-time whistle of Tottenham's dismal defeat to Chelsea. Joao Pedro scored the only goal of the game with Spurs fortunate to only lose by one.

The hosts managed just three shots at goal with only one of those on target and defeat to their London rivals means Spurs have not won at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the league since the opening day of the season. Frank's tactical plans took a hit early on with Lucas Bergvall forced off with concussion.

Xavi Simons was introduced, but the summer signing failed to have any impact on the game before being taken off himself. The returning Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie were brought on to try and help Spurs build from the back, however the Lilywhites continued to look awful in possession.

The anger and frustration felt by Tottenham players - that was evidenced by the four yellow cards handed out and 14 fouls committed - seemed to remain after the game as Van de Ven and Spence brushed off Frank as they headed off the pitch.

The Spurs boss looked like he wanted the duo to remain on the pitch and applaud the fans, but they both opted to walk directly around him and down the tunnel. Spence appeared to say something in response while Van de Ven did not even acknowledge the Dane.

Frank continued staring at the pair for several seconds before carrying on walking and he has now provided his take on those events.

"I think I understand why you ask the question but that's one of the small issues," he said at a press conference. "Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence have performed well this season and it's just a small thing."

It is unlikely to be any kind of major problem behind the scenes considering Frank and Van de Ven were laughing with each other just last weekend after the latter's brace in the win over Everton. However, it is certainly not the best look for Spurs with it seeming as though Frank's authority has been undermined.

This follows Pedro Porro calling Spence and Randal Kolo Muani to come over and clap the Tottenham fans in the away end at St James Park after their 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United earlier this week.

Though Spurs have only lost four times this season, the performances have been far from positive and they are yet to really dominate a game under Frank.

And the fixtures do not get much easier for Spurs as they prepare to face Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United over the next month.