Tottenham Hotspur showcased their set-piece strength and defensive dominance as Thomas Frank’s side condemned Everton to a first home defeat at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Three-headed goals — two from Micky van de Ven and one late strike from substitute Pape Matar Sarr — lifted Spurs to third in the Premier League and highlighted their growing confidence under Frank.
Spurs’ Away Form: Ruthless, Efficient, and Relentless
While questions linger about Tottenham’s inconsistency at home, their away form tells a completely different story. The 3–0 victory on Merseyside made it 13 points from a possible 15 on the road, a record that places them among the league’s best travellers.
Thomas Frank praised his team’s mentality and set-piece execution after the win:
“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,” said Frank.
The Danish manager’s emphasis on discipline and tactical sharpness has clearly paid off, especially with an inexperienced squad balancing domestic and European commitments.
Micky van de Ven: From Defender to Double Goalscorer
In the absence of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven stepped up as Tottenham’s unexpected attacking hero. The Dutch centre-back scored twice in the first half — both from corners — taking his tally to five goals in 13 appearances this season.
The first came when Rodrigo Bentancur’s shoulder flick from a Mohammed Kudus corner found Van de Ven unmarked at the back post. The second, deep into first-half stoppage time, was even more clinical — Pedro Porro’s vicious in-swinging delivery evaded everyone except Van de Ven, who powered home from close range.
Thomas Frank later revealed he had challenged his defender to add more goals this season:
“I told him at the start of the season he should be scoring more goals with his head,” he said.
VAR Controversy and Missed Chances for Everton
Everton thought they had levelled through Jake O’Brien, only for VAR to intervene. The defender’s header from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner was ruled out for offside interference by Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish. The decision was met with loud boos from the home fans, but even David Moyes admitted afterwards that the call was correct.
“We have been undone by set pieces. I’m not happy about it, but overall, there were some positives,” said the Everton manager.
Despite bright spells — including a near-miss from Grealish and a spectacular Beto overhead kick — the Toffees lacked a cutting edge. Their lack of a natural goalscorer once again proved costly.
Pape Matar Sarr Seals It Late for Spurs
Everton’s hopes of a comeback were finally extinguished in the 89th minute. Former Everton forward Richarlison cushioned a clever header across goal, allowing Pape Matar Sarr to nod in Tottenham’s third.
It was another well-worked set piece — and another example of Frank’s tactical focus on aerial dominance. Tottenham’s ability to turn dead-ball situations into goals could become a defining feature of their season.
Set-Piece Masterclass: Frank’s Tactical Signature
Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham have become one of the most efficient teams in the Premier League at exploiting set pieces. Each of their three goals at Hill Dickinson Stadium came from headers, reflecting a clear training-ground emphasis on delivery precision and positional intelligence.
Van de Ven’s leadership, Porro’s consistency in crossing, and Bentancur’s physicality have given Spurs a new dimension — one that rivals are struggling to defend against.
Everton’s Struggles Continue: Lack of Firepower Costs Them Again
Despite flashes of creativity from Iliman Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner, and Grealish, Everton’s forward line remains blunt. With Beto struggling to finish chances and no proven striker in the squad, David Moyes faces a growing dilemma.
The Toffees matched Spurs for effort and energy but failed to convert territory into goals — a pattern that could define their season if not addressed quickly.
What This Result Means for the Premier League Table
The win lifts Tottenham to third place, strengthening their push for a Champions League finish. For Everton, the defeat serves as a reminder of how fine the margins are at the top level — and how crucial defensive discipline and clinical finishing remain.
If Spurs can correct their home inconsistencies, Thomas Frank’s men may well remain among the league’s elite come May.
Key Stats: Everton vs Tottenham
- Final Score: Everton 0–3 Tottenham Hotspur
- Goals: Van de Ven (2), Sarr (1)
- Possession: Everton 49% – Tottenham 51%
- Shots on Target: Everton 4 – Tottenham 7
- Corners: Everton 5 – Tottenham 8
- Clean Sheets: Tottenham (1)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who scored for Tottenham against Everton?
Micky van de Ven scored twice from corners, and Pape Matar Sarr added a late header to secure a 3–0 victory.
2. Why was Everton’s goal disallowed?
VAR ruled out Jake O’Brien’s header because Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish were offside and judged to have interfered with the goalkeeper.
3. What did Thomas Frank say after the match?
Frank praised his team’s mentality and focus, particularly their effectiveness from set pieces and their defensive discipline.
4. How has Tottenham performed away from home this season?
Spurs have taken 13 points from a possible 15 away from home — one of the best records in the Premier League.
5. What’s next for both teams?
Tottenham will look to maintain their form as they push for a Champions League place, while Everton must regroup quickly to stabilise their results at their new home.
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