Thomas Frank explains Arsenal cup mix-up after Tottenham defeat at Bournemouth

January 08, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Thomas Frank explains Arsenal cup mix-up after Tottenham defeat at Bournemouth

Thomas Frank has explained why he was bizarrely spotted drinking from an Arsenal-branded cup ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League clash with Bournemouth, insisting he was completely unaware of the logo and branding.

The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, came at an awkward moment for the Spurs manager, whose early months in north London are already being heavily scrutinised.

Frank risked further angering supporters when images emerged of him strolling around the Vitality Stadium holding a cup bearing the crest of Tottenham's fiercest rivals.

What followed on the pitch did little to ease the pressure.

A Chaotic Night for Spurs on the South Coast

Tottenham endured a dramatic and ultimately frustrating evening against Bournemouth.

Spurs made a fast start when Mathys Tel opened the scoring inside five minutes, but the advantage quickly slipped away.

Goals from Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi sent Bournemouth into a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Spurs appeared to have salvaged a point when João Palhinha equalised 12 minutes from time, only for Antoine Semenyo - on what was reportedly his final appearance for the Cherries - to score a 95th-minute winner.

The late goal ended Bournemouth's 11-game winless run and sparked an angry reaction from the travelling Spurs supporters, with defender Micky van de Ven seen remonstrating with their own fans after the final whistle.

Frank Responds to Arsenal Cup Backlash

Photo: Getty Images

Much of the post-match discussion, however, centred on the pre-match image of Frank holding an Arsenal-branded cup.

Speaking after the game, the 52-year-old was clearly irritated by the suggestion that he had knowingly used the cup.

I definitely did not notice it. It would be completely stupid of me to take it if I knew.

It's a little bit sad in football that I need to be asked about it. I would never do something that stupid. I think we're definitely going in the wrong direction if we need to worry about me having a cup with a logo of another club.

According to BBC Sport, Frank had simply been handed his usual pre-match espresso by a member of staff.

Arsenal were the previous visitors to Bournemouth, having played there on January 3, and the cup had been left behind in the changing area.

Nobody in the Spurs camp noticed the branding.

Pressure Mounts on Frank’s Spurs

The defeat leaves Tottenham winless in three Premier League matches, with just one victory in their last six.

Spurs now sit 14th in the table, seven points adrift of the top four, and unrest among supporters is growing.

Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou in the summer on a three-year deal running until 2028, inheriting a side that finished 17th last season but salvaged their campaign by winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League.

Whilst the club hierarchy are understood to be willing to give Frank time, the combination of poor results, visible fan frustration and an unfortunate PR moment has intensified scrutiny on his early reign.

Tottenham return to action on Saturday evening when they host Aston Villa in the FA Cup, before a Premier League London derby at home to West Ham United a week later.

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