The Tottenham Hotspur manager, Thomas Frank, has experienced an increase in pressure following a recent incident in which he held an Arsenal – branded cup before a 3‑2 loss to Bournemouth. The defeat left Tottenham positioned 14th in the Premier League standings, prompting a surge of scrutiny from the press and the fan base surrounding the team’s performance _2_ The circulation of a photograph showing Frank presenting the cup early in the match attracted headlines, with several outlets interpreting it as a symbolic gesture aligned with the rival club. The controversy added to Frank’s already challenging role, as the club seeks to return to the top tier of English football and regain the support of its supporters _3_ In response to the mounting criticism, Frank has emphasised the importance of focusing on the team’s strategy and forthcoming fixtures, underscoring his commitment to improving the Spurs’ league position. The incident serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny faced by football managers and the impact that symbolic actions can have on public perception.