Thomas Frank’s tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager began on a high note with a 2-0 pre-season victory over Reading, showcasing the immediate influence of new signings Mohammed Kudus and Luka Vuskovic. The match, held at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, saw Frank make 11 changes at half-time, experimenting with different lineups as part of his tactical approach.

Kudus, a recent £55 million acquisition from West Ham, and Vuskovic, an 18-year-old Croatian talent, were instrumental in securing the win. Vuskovic set up Will Lankshear for the opening goal before scoring the second himself, displaying both his attacking and defensive prowess. Kudus contributed with a precise corner that led to the first goal and later assisted Vuskovic’s strike.

The first half saw a more subdued performance from Spurs, with limited chances and a rusty showing from Son Heung-min. However, Frank’s tactical adjustments in the second half, including the introduction of Kudus and Vuskovic, brought a noticeable improvement. The duo’s chemistry was evident as they combined effectively to extend Tottenham’s lead.

Frank’s use of two holding midfielders and a 4-4-2 formation out of possession hinted at the strategic changes he may bring to the team. Despite the pre-season nature of the match, the performance provided a glimpse of the potential impact of Tottenham’s new recruits.

Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange observed the game from the directors’ box, with fans celebrating their recent Europa League triumph. While the match saw minor crowd disturbances, the focus remained on the positive start under Frank’s leadership and the promising debuts of Kudus and Vuskovic.

As Tottenham continues its pre-season preparations, the contributions of their new signings will be crucial in shaping the team’s prospects for the upcoming campaign.