Thomas Frank plays down Tottenham Hotspur title credentials after Everton win
Tottenham Hotspur continue to look like a side growing in confidence and character under Thomas Frank, as they powered past Everton with a commanding 3-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Two first-half headers from Micky van de Ven and a late strike from Pape Matar Sarr sealed all three points, handing the Toffees their first home defeat of the season. The result lifted Spurs to third place in the Premier League table, just five points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Frank’s men have now picked up 13 points from a possible 15 on the road, underlining their efficiency and focus away from home. Set-pieces once again proved decisive, with all three goals coming via aerial dominance, a testament to the tactical drills Frank has introduced since taking charge.
Speaking after the match (h/t Football.london), the Tottenham boss couldn’t hide his satisfaction:
“Going here to Everton, a very good team and unbeaten here so far, and winning 3-0 away is a very good result. I’m very happy with the set pieces and the clean-sheet mentality is a good foundation.”
Frank also praised his side’s ability to maintain focus despite their gruelling schedule, adding that his relatively inexperienced Champions League squad has shown “a lot about their mentality” by competing strongly every few days.
Frank Cools Talk of a Title Challenge
Despite Spurs’ continued rise up the table and growing belief among fans, Thomas Frank was quick to play down talk of a title charge. His pragmatic response reflects both his grounded nature and his understanding of how quickly Premier League momentum can shift.
When asked whether Tottenham could be considered genuine contenders, Frank responded:
“No, I think there are a few teams ahead of us.”
It’s the kind of humility that has defined Frank’s approach, confident but cautious, measured yet ambitious. Spurs now face a defining run of fixtures, taking on Chelsea and Manchester United before the much-anticipated North London Derby against Arsenal next month. A strong showing in those games could see perceptions of this Tottenham side change dramatically.
Van de Ven’s Evolution Under Frank
Among the many positives from the Everton win was the continued rise of Micky van de Ven, whose two first-half headers took his season tally to five. an impressive return for a defender who failed to score last campaign.
Frank revealed he had challenged the Dutchman to contribute more in attack this season:
“I told him at the start of the season he should be scoring more goals with his head. I think he is really growing and taking some big steps,taking more leadership, defending better and better, using his pace and more clever positions than at the start of the season.”
Van de Ven’s maturity, both as a leader at the back and as an unexpected goal threat, encapsulates Tottenham’s broader progress under Frank, disciplined, determined, and quietly evolving into a complete unit.
This was one of those performances that makes Tottenham fans believe something special is building under Thomas Frank. The balance between grit and flair was spot-on, defensive stability married beautifully with clinical finishing.
While Frank remains modest about title ambitions, results like this suggest Spurs are closer to the conversation than he lets on. If they can sustain this level of composure and execution through the festive fixtures, Tottenham’s quiet climb could soon become a serious challenge for silverware.
