Key Highlights
- Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence was adjusting his boot during a corner kick.
- The referee allowed Spence time to adjust but did not give him enough for the defender to return to position.
- Newcastle United scored the first goal despite Spence’s late positioning, impacting the match outcome.
- Tottenham’s head coach Thomas Frank expressed frustration with the referee’s decision and its impact on set-piece defense.
The Significance of Set Pieces in Modern Football
In recent seasons, the importance of set pieces in football has grown exponentially. According to The Athletic, 19% of all goals scored in the Premier League this season have come from corners, marking a record high for any single season since the inception of the league in 1992.
Tottenham Hotspur’s performance under head coach Thomas Frank highlights their strategic focus on set pieces. With players like Micky van de Ven leading the way with four goals from set plays this season, Tottenham has become a formidable force when it comes to both creating and defending against these situations.
The Controversial Corner Kick
During the Carabao Cup last-16 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United on Wednesday, November 1, 2025, a moment of controversy arose during the first half. With Tottenham trailing 0-0 at St. James’ Park, referee Chris Kavanagh allowed defender Djed Spence to take his boot off and adjust the laces around 10 yards from Sandro Tonali, who was preparing to take the corner kick.
Spence attempted to alter his boots multiple times during brief stoppages in play.
His actions were met with jeers from Newcastle’s home support, reflecting the importance of maintaining focus and positioning throughout set pieces. However, despite these attempts, Kavanagh signaled for Tonali to take the corner after 46.5 seconds.
Spence was still on the floor as Tonali started his run-up, and he had yet to reach his position in the penalty area when Fabian Schar powered a header past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, giving Newcastle the first goal of the match.
Tottenham Coach’s Reaction and Analysis
Following the incident, Thomas Frank directed his frustration towards the fourth official. He later confirmed that Spence was responsible for marking the eventual goalscorer, Fabian Schar.
“I think the first was a mistake from Chris (Kavanagh), the ref,” Frank stated on Sky Sports. “He didn’t allow Djed time to come back in, which he clearly should have done. He’s supposed to mark Schar, who scored. So I think that was the first mistake.”
Frank further elaborated on his thoughts: “It’s very, very rarely I disagree on any decision, but this we need to (disagree) on because it was completely common sense.” The coach emphasized the critical nature of set pieces in modern football and how even minor disruptions can significantly impact game outcomes.
Set Piece Defense and Future Considerations
The incident at St. James’ Park underscores the delicate balance required in managing set pieces during matches. While there is no specific rule that Kavanagh violated, the debate over fair play and referee discretion remains a contentious topic among coaches and players alike.
Tottenham’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulous preparation and quick reflexes in defending against set plays.
The club will need to address this issue moving forward, ensuring that all team members are well-prepared for such situations and that any potential issues with equipment or player positioning are managed effectively before they impact game outcomes.
As the Premier League continues to prioritize set pieces, teams like Tottenham must remain vigilant in both creating and defending against these vital moments. The incident at St. James’ Park highlights the ongoing need for clear communication between referees and coaches to ensure fair play and optimal performance on the field.
