After eight memorable months as Tottenham manager, Arsenal fans were devastated to learn that Thomas Frank has been sacked.
The news came as no surprise, as Spurs are in a relegation battle.
Frank’s exit now gives Tottenham 12 days to prepare to face Arsenal with a new man at the helm, with the Gunners hoping that a new manager bounce doesn’t happen.
The excitement that was felt in N17 when Frank was appointed quickly disappeared, so much so that Arsenal actually appreciated the Dane’s work at Tottenham more than their rivals did.
Tell us your favourite Thomas Frank moment at Tottenham
Thomas Frank’s Arsenal obsession played a role in him losing the Tottenham dressing room
Frank has always been an admirer of Arsenal, which led the coach to be sung about by Gooners, who state that the ex-Spurs boss is a silver member.
It was a bit of fun, but as Tottenham usually do, the Lilywhites gave Arsenal even more to laugh about.
From holding Arsenal cups to losing 4-1 in the North London Derby, Frank became an enemy at Spurs, but his infatuation with the Gunners actually went a lot deeper than what we saw at the surface level.
Sources close to the Telegraph have revealed that part of the reason why Frank lost the Tottenham dressing room was because of how frequently he spoke about Arsenal.
“He was constantly going on to the players about Arsenal, and they quickly got sick of it,” the source said.
“Even before and after the game at the Emirates, he was telling them how good Arsenal were. The feeling among some was very much ‘just shut up about Arsenal’.”
What was speculation turned into banter has since been confirmed as reality, which, from an Arsenal point of view, is absolutely comical.
In Frank’s defence, Spurs have used Arsenal to measure their success for a long while, but it has to be said, this inside revelation is beyond belief.
Arsenal will hope to repeat 2004 feat after Frank sacking
Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham in November was Frank’s first and last competitive North London Derby, and it was an enjoyable one.
With the next clash set to take place 11 days from today, it’s unknown who Mikel Arteta will come up against in the dugout.
If you were Mikel Arteta, what would you be thinking before facing Tottenham now that Thomas Frank is gone?
Fortunately, the Spaniard has some inspiration to cling onto amid the unknown, as in 2004, Arsene Wenger found himself in the same situation ahead of travelling to White Hart Lane.
Martin Jol took charge of Spurs in the 2004/05 season, and his first game on the touchline was against Arsenal.
Wenger still got the win, emerging with three points after a 5-4 victory, something Arteta would love to do when the two sides clash very soon.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
