• Manager barracked by fans after late 2-1 defeat

• Romero comments add to sense of unease at Tottenham

Thomas Frank’s future as the Tottenham manager is in doubt after Saturday’s last-gasp 2-1 home defeat by West Ham, at which the club’s supporters called for him to be “sacked in the morning”.

The Spurs hierarchy have been mindful of the difficulties Frank has faced during what was always likely to be a transitional season. The chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, wrote an open letter to fans on Saturday morning, the tone of which was supportive, the overriding message being a call for patience.

• Manager barracked by fans after late 2-1 defeat

• Romero comments add to sense of unease at Tottenham

Thomas Frank’s future as the Tottenham manager is in doubt after Saturday’s last-gasp 2-1 home defeat by West Ham, at which the club’s supporters called for him to be “sacked in the morning”.

The Spurs hierarchy have been mindful of the difficulties Frank has faced during what was always likely to be a transitional season. The chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, wrote an open letter to fans on Saturday morning, the tone of which was supportive, the overriding message being a call for patience.

Mikel Arteta was adamant his team should have been awarded a penalty for handball by Ola Aina 10 minutes from time that would have given Arsenal the opportunity to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Instead Nottingham Forest hung on gamely for a doughty goalless draw in a performance redolent of the team last season who were pushing for European qualification. They may only be five points clear of the relegation zone, after West Ham’s last-gasp win at Tottenham, but Sean Dyche was understandably proud of his team’s efforts that suggest Forest are moving in the right direction.

Mikel Arteta was adamant his team should have been awarded a penalty for handball by Ola Aina 10 minutes from time that would have given Arsenal the opportunity to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Instead Nottingham Forest hung on gamely for a doughty goalless draw in a performance redolent of the team last season who were pushing for European qualification. They may only be five points clear of the relegation zone, after West Ham’s last-gasp win at Tottenham, but Sean Dyche was understandably proud of his team’s efforts that suggest Forest are moving in the right direction.

• Manager makes outburst after 2-1 defeat at Sunderland

• Austrian angry club sold captain one day before game

Oliver Glasner accused Crystal Palace’s board of “abandoning” his team in the course of a scathing post-match deconstruction after the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland.

At times the Austrian, who on Friday announced he would be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of this season, sounded as if he was talking himself out of the remaining few months of his contract.

• Manager makes outburst after 2-1 defeat at Sunderland

• Austrian angry club sold captain one day before game

Oliver Glasner accused Crystal Palace’s board of “abandoning” his team in the course of a scathing post-match deconstruction after the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland.

At times the Austrian, who on Friday announced he would be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of this season, sounded as if he was talking himself out of the remaining few months of his contract.

Frenetic derby was just the place for the interim manager to roll out Ferguson’s old ‘use the energy of the people’ dictum

For Manchester United’s executives, City are the best-in-class runaway train they wish to emulate and aspire to. Coveted talent like Antoine Semenyo and now Marc Guéhi opt for blue when a generation ago, Old Trafford was the destination of dreams.

United’s myth and legend becomes increasingly sepia-tinged but there may be life in it yet. The list of Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys able to take the reins in times of emergency is being exhausted but Michael Carrick, on his second turn, found a way to feed off it. He has just 17 games though there is a tantalising prize on offer. A return to the Champions League looks possible. Rather than embracing the void, Carrick’s United reminded that sporting directors, analytic departments and strategic reviews may have their place in the eventual restoration of power, but dogged spirit, wanting it more, can win the day.

Frenetic derby was just the place for the interim manager to roll out Ferguson’s old ‘use the energy of the people’ dictum

For Manchester United’s executives, City are the best-in-class runaway train they wish to emulate and aspire to. Coveted talent like Antoine Semenyo and now Marc Guéhi opt for blue when a generation ago, Old Trafford was the destination of dreams.

United’s myth and legend becomes increasingly sepia-tinged but there may be life in it yet. The list of Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys able to take the reins in times of emergency is being exhausted but Michael Carrick, on his second turn, found a way to feed off it. He has just 17 games though there is a tantalising prize on offer. A return to the Champions League looks possible. Rather than embracing the void, Carrick’s United reminded that sporting directors, analytic departments and strategic reviews may have their place in the eventual restoration of power, but dogged spirit, wanting it more, can win the day.

• British No 1’s first game follows men’s match on Sunday

• ‘I’m just trying to focus and turn it around for tomorrow’

Emma Raducanu has criticised the Australian Open’s “very difficult” scheduling but remains focused on her game after being lined up to compete in a late-night slot on the opening day.

Raducanu will play her first-round match against Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Sunday night, leaving the British No 1 with minimal time to adjust to the conditions at Melbourne Park after competing in Hobart. With the Sunday start, the Australian Open’s first round is now split across three days, so Raducanu’s first match could have been played on Monday.

Manager aware his reign has parallels to the Spurs spell of his counterpart at West Ham, Saturday’s visitors

When Thomas Frank glances along the touchline at Nuno Espírito Santo on Saturday afternoon, he will see more than the ghost of Tottenham managers past. Because during his darkest hours – and there have been a few of those during a fraught first season at the club – he may also see a vision of his own future.

The parallels between the two are clear and they are difficult to ignore as Nuno makes his return to Spurs with West Ham, desperate for a result to help lift the club out of the relegation places. When Nuno went to Spurs in 2021, he did so as a manager who had made his name in English football with Wolves, getting them promoted from the Championship and going on to enjoy success with them in the top division. Ditto Frank with Brentford before his move to Spurs last summer.