The harder the challenge, the better Tottenham seem to get.
A trip to Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium looked, on paper, one of the toughest tests of the Premier League season so far. Yet Spurs became the first side to leave with all three points, grinding out a commanding 3–0 victory that perfectly reflected Thomas Frank’s philosophy — compact defending, lethal set-pieces, and a ruthless mentality.
The result lifts Spurs to third in the Premier League, just a point behind Bournemouth and five adrift of leaders Arsenal. It also reinforces a growing truth about Frank’s Tottenham: they are at their best when the odds are stacked against them.
Another statement away day
For all their early struggles at home, Spurs have been untouchable on the road. They are now the only unbeaten away team in the Premier League, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 — a run that includes statement victories at Stamford Bridge, the Etihad, and now Merseyside.
This triumph, though, might be the most satisfying yet. Against an Everton side unbeaten in their new home and in ugly conditions, Spurs combined discipline with determination.
Defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero absorbed wave after wave of crosses, while Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur set the tone in midfield. The home crowd grew restless, but Tottenham never lost their shape or composure.
It wasn’t the kind of free-flowing football associated with Spurs in recent years, but rather a hard-nosed, battle-ready display.
Sometimes the beautiful game isn’t about style — it’s about survival.
Set-pieces become a superpower
Under Frank, Tottenham have transformed from set-piece spectators to specialists.
Andreas Georgson, appointed as set-piece coach this summer, has turned dead-ball scenarios into one of Spurs’ most dangerous weapons — and Everton found out the hard way.
The Toffees had not conceded from a corner all season. By half-time, they had conceded two, both from Van de Ven.
The Dutch defender’s first goal came after a Bentancur flick caused chaos in the box, and his second — a thumping header past Jordan Pickford — underlined Tottenham’s growing mastery from dead-ball situations.
With Van de Ven now on five goals for the season, Spurs’ aerial dominance offers an entirely new dimension. Even when they’re struggling from open play, the set-piece threat means patience will always pay.
Randal Kolo Muani makes his mark
After almost two months of waiting, Randal Kolo Muani finally earned his first start for Tottenham — and he didn’t disappoint.
Still working toward full fitness, the French forward offered a glimpse of what Spurs have been missing. His ability to hold up play, bring others into attacks, and find clever passing angles instantly elevated the team’s forward structure.
A deft first-time ball to Xavi Simons created one of Tottenham’s best first-half chances, while another slick touch opened up space in transition moments later.
Compared to the weary legs of Richarlison and the raw energy of Mathys Tel, Kolo Muani brought balance — linking play with maturity and giving Tottenham a much-needed focal point.
His 60-minute display was enough to convince Frank that the Frenchman could soon be leading the line full-time. Spurs simply looked sharper and more confident with him up front.
Set-pieces become a superpower
Under Frank, Tottenham have transformed from set-piece spectators to specialists.
Andreas Georgson, appointed as set-piece coach this summer, has turned dead-ball scenarios into one of Spurs’ most dangerous weapons — and Everton found out the hard way.
The Toffees had not conceded from a corner all season. By half-time, they had conceded two, both from Van de Ven.
The Dutch defender’s first goal came after a Bentancur flick caused chaos in the box, and his second — a thumping header past Jordan Pickford — underlined Tottenham’s growing mastery from dead-ball situations.
With Van de Ven now on five goals for the season, Spurs’ aerial dominance offers an entirely new dimension. Even when they’re struggling from open play, the set-piece threat means patience will always pay.
Randal Kolo Muani makes his mark
After almost two months of waiting, Randal Kolo Muani finally earned his first start for Tottenham — and he didn’t disappoint.
Still working toward full fitness, the French forward offered a glimpse of what Spurs have been missing. His ability to hold up play, bring others into attacks, and find clever passing angles instantly elevated the team’s forward structure.
A deft first-time ball to Xavi Simons created one of Tottenham’s best first-half chances, while another slick touch opened up space in transition moments later.
Compared to the weary legs of Richarlison and the raw energy of Mathys Tel, Kolo Muani brought balance — linking play with maturity and giving Tottenham a much-needed focal point.
His 60-minute display was enough to convince Frank that the Frenchman could soon be leading the line full-time. Spurs simply looked sharper and more confident with him up front.
Analyst Verdict — by John William, FootballPlace
Thomas Frank is building a side in his image: disciplined, relentless, and efficient. The trip to Everton showcased everything Spurs have become under him — mentally strong, defensively organised, and quietly lethal from set pieces.
The introduction of Randal Kolo Muani could prove transformative. Tottenham now have a target man who can both finish and facilitate, something they’ve lacked since Harry Kane’s departure. Combined with Georgson’s influence on set pieces, Frank suddenly has two new tactical weapons that make Spurs genuine top-four contenders.
Key Insights
- Tottenham remain unbeaten away from home with 13 points from 15.
- Micky van de Ven scored twice from corners, taking his season tally to five goals.
- Spurs have become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous sides from set-pieces under Thomas Frank and coach Andreas Georgson.
- Randal Kolo Muani impressed on his first start, showing composure, link-up play, and movement.
- Spurs now sit third in the Premier League, one point behind Bournemouth.
What’s Next
Tottenham return to north London next weekend as they host Chelsea — where Frank’s next challenge will be solving their inconsistent home form.
But with Van de Ven thriving, Kolo Muani emerging, and Spurs rediscovering their bite, the signs point to a side growing stronger every week.
👉 Thomas Frank’s Tottenham are starting to look the real deal — built on grit, goals, and game intelligence.
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