Frank was doing his best to keep the lid on his emotions and accentuate the positives after the game, but he revealed his frustration as he thumped the table in front of him three times in time with his words when he insisted Spurs should “never, ever, ever” concede a goal like Tuanzebe’s, repeating the message and actions when discussing Foster’s goal.

“You can’t say we didn’t do everything to win,” he told Match of the Day. “We just need to keep improving. The only way it can be is calm heads, carry on and keep doing what we think is the right thing.

“You see the game. We do more than enough to win the game. We just need to defend better in two situations. And, of course, score another goal that could make the difference at 1-0.”

And yet again Frank had to rely on defenders for goals, showing once more the lack of potency – and resources – he has in attack.

Only Richarlison, with eight, has scored more than Van de Ven, who has netted seven this season. The Dutchman’s tally is also the most of any Premier League defender across all competitions.

Romero has scored four Premier League goals this season, but his latest was not enough to dilute what is becoming the familiar toxicity aimed in Frank’s direction.