FRANK'S EURO SPUR

Tottenham off to flyer as keeper clanger hands them dream start

- BY JOHN CROSS

AS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE debuts go, it was a good introduction for Thomas Frank.

The Tottenham boss had never managed at this level before but is making himself feel very much at home in his new surroundings.

It does feel like a fresh start and a new era for Spurs with a new manager, impressive new players and a new-look hierarchy sat up in the directors' box. Tottenham eased past decent Spanish opposition to get this season's European campaign off to a winning start even if they got some luck along the way with a comical own goal.

Villarreal keeper Luiz Junior's dreadful fourth-minute howler gifted Tottenham the win and, while there was plenty of room for improvement, they got the job done.

In truth, it was all a bit low key. It was quite comfortable for Tottenham. The new Champions League format means two extra games in the league phase which is all very nice but reduces any sense of jeopardy.