TOTTENHAM missed an opportunity to break into the top half of the table as Brian Brobbey secured a 1-1 draw for Sunderland in North London.

Thomas Frank has faced criticism due to recent poor results but appeared to be on the verge of achieving a significant victory that would relieve the pressure on his position.

English Premier League - Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland Ben Davies was the unexpected first goalscorer for Tottenham against SunderlandCredit: EPA Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland - Premier League Sunderland fought back late in the game, equalizing through Brian BrobbeyCredit: Getty

However, Spurs – who have a disappointing record with only two wins at home this season – now have just one victory in their last five Premier League matches.

Davies, Tottenham’s longest-serving player since joining in 2014, was a surprising choice in the starting line-up.

He justified Frank’s trust by scoring from close range after Cristian Romero’s pull-back was directed towards him by Mickey van de Ven, and he made no mistake.

Sunderland entered this match following a draw against Manchester City and had gone four games unbeaten.

They continued that momentum, proving to be the better side in the second half, with Morgan Le Fee coming close late in the match as he hit the post with a header.

With ten minutes remaining, Brobbey executed an excellent one-two with Le Fee before slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

More updates to come.