David Squires, the renowned football cartoonist, has once again captured the turbulent world of Tottenham Hotspur in his latest cartoon, published January 20, 2026. This time, the focus is on manager Frank Lampard and the challenges he faces steering the "Spurs supertanker" through increasingly tight and treacherous waters.
Squires' cartoon comes as Tottenham Hotspur face a crucial Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. The team's recent performance has been lackluster, placing them 14th in the Premier League with a mere 32% win rate. Their home form is particularly concerning, with only two wins, three draws, and six losses. Despite their struggles in the Premier League, their Champions League record is nearly identical to Dortmund's. They secured a 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague in their last UCL home game.
Lampard's arrival at Tottenham was initially met with optimism, but the team's inconsistency has raised questions about his leadership. While Squires' cartoon doesn't offer a direct critique, it subtly highlights the pressure Lampard is under to navigate the club out of its current predicament. The image of a supertanker in a tight spot serves as a metaphor for the limited room for error and the potential for a major collision if things go wrong.
This isn't the first time Squires has turned his satirical lens on Tottenham. His previous works have often depicted the club's tendency towards dramatic collapses and managerial instability. This cartoon continues in that vein, suggesting that despite the promise of a new era, Spurs are still prone to familiar failings.
Lampard's managerial career has been a mixed bag. After beginning his managerial career with Derby County in 2018 and leading the club to the Championship play-off final, he was appointed as the head coach of Chelsea. He guided them to fourth place and the FA Cup Final in his first season. Before joining Tottenham, Lampard managed Coventry City, and his overall managerial record shows a 43.04% win percentage across 230 games. His time at Everton saw a similar pattern of initial promise followed by a slump in form, ultimately leading to his dismissal.
The "Spurs supertanker" finds itself in a precarious position. With a crucial Champions League tie looming and domestic form faltering, the pressure is mounting on Frank Lampard to steady the ship. David Squires' cartoon serves as a timely reminder of the challenges he faces and the ever-present threat of another Tottenham implosion.
