Frank admits 'huge' relief for Tottenham to grab a point amid late escape act against aggressive Wolves

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

Thomas Frank admitted to relief after Tottenham's unlikely escape act, where they grabbed a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After a shoddy display, lacking in joined up thinking, Spurs could do nothing other than give thanks to Joao Palhinha's late, late intervention in order to scrape a point in a largely forgettable 1-1 draw under the Saturday night lights. That is, though, not to deny the spirit and steel Wolves brought to the capital.

The north Londoners' injury time leveller, courtesy of Palhinha, after Santiago Bueno put the visitors ahead early in the second half, leaves them in third place in the Premier League after six matches.

Nevertheless, if Tottenham were very off colour for long, laborious spells - their second half display was collectively poor - the real conclusion is that of a night of sheer frustration for Wolves, who had easily the better of events. Vitor Pereira's side showed aggression and composure going forward, and to lose a late goal and what would have been a terrific win was rough luck on them.

"The first half we were on top and got into dangerous situations and were on track", said Spurs' head coach Frank.

"The big change was their goal and it changed the momentum of the game. It made it more difficult (for us). We lost a bit of structure and coolness.

"It is huge to get a point on a night which is not perfect. Of course we want to hit heights but when you are down on 90 minutes and then score that is a positive."

Frank was relieved that Tottenham escaped on this occasion - but as the season wears on, they may not be so fortunate if they fail to learn to dominate opponents at home and create opportunities. Second best to most clashes after the break, poor passing and a lack of service to Richarlison up front emphasised just how off colour they were.

Forgettable

The first half was forgettable and one of little real event, other than a couple of outside chances for Spurs.

Lucas Bergvall went close with a spectacular volley after good trickery down the right from Mohammed Kudus. The latter tested Wolves' keeper Sam Johnston with a fine, rangy effort as Spurs tried to break down the visitors' resistance. Kudus was moved from right to left in the second half and his performance suffered as a result.

The game finally came to life when Wolves went ahead in 54 minutes. Santiago Bueno nudged the ball into the net from close range after the hosts failed to deal with a cross where Palhinha ultimately could not thwart the lurking Wolves' defender.

The visitors were emboldened by their goal and disinclined to merely protect the advantage. And they came so close.

Vitor Pereira's men showed a determination to hold on and, conversely, Tottenham simply ran out of ideas as the minutes ticked by. Wolves' robust rear guard action was pivotal, and only for a rare moment of inspiration at the death by Palhinha, they would have been excellent value for all three points.

Hustled out of their rhythm, Wolves snapped at Spurs' attempts to create anything notable from midfield. The hosts were clearly running out of both ideas and steam - until Palhinha lifted the clouds of frustration across north London.

Quality

With four minutes into injury time, the Portuguese struck from distance. Palhinha's curling right footed shot which found the corner of Wolves' keeper Sam Johnstone's net, was a slice of unforeseen quality. One which, in truth, was scarcely merited.

Still, it enabled a point for Tottenham - one which a relieved Frank will gladly accept, ahead of their visit to Norway on Champions League business on Tuesday, against Bodo/Glimt. Then a difficult task away to Leeds United follows next Saturday.

"We had a nervous performance, but now we move forward", added Frank. "One thing is for sure, we need to get better and get the right balance into the team".

Wolves boss, Pereira, meanwhile, was pleased with his players, despite the late concession.

"We came here to win the game, especially in the second half", he said. "I feel we deserved to win the game. But football is football and from nothing we conceded the two points. I am proud of my players and the ambition they showed in the game.

"It is frustrating when you have three points in the pocket. We have shown that we can compete".