Here are our Tottenham talking points following that resounding 3-0 demolition of Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
It’s a new week for Thomas Frank’s Tottenham and the elation of Sunday’s exceptional one-sided triumph on the road at Everton will soon begin to subside.
That’s because Spurs must now prepare themselves for their latest challenge – a Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Newcastle, who are fresh from their late winner in the Premier League against Fulham.
The Magpies are hungry to defend their trophy and Spurs will also have one eye on Saturday’s fiery London derby against Chelsea.
Here are our Tottenham talking points and several things for Frank to analyse and unpack ahead of the trip to the North East.
Vicario and Van de Ven bicker
It’s hard to imagine Tottenham’s two indispensable leaders falling out given they have forged such a close relationship both on and off the pitch.
Brothers do sometimes fight, however, and the two were seen bickering on the field following the full-time whistle.
Guglielmo Vicario seemed to be frustrated by something – possibly long ball related – and Van de Ven appeared to have a difference of opinion and wasn’t afraid to let him team-mate know just that.
But the fact they were challenging one another is hugely positive for Frank. Even after winning 3-0, it’s proof the players are holding themselves to high standards and they are not entirely satisifed.
This kind of mentality is what separates good and great teams.
Sarr’s pointed message
When Pape Matar Sarr struck Tottenham’s third on Merseyside, you couldn’t help but feel overjoyed for the Senegalese midfielder.
However, when the Sky Sports cameras panned to the ‘Sarr Man’ – he looked anything but pleased as he was mobbed by his team-mate.
Sarr’s situation is somewhat mystifying because he started the campaign in breathtaking form and was central to early Premier League wins over Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham, respectively.
So what happened? Frank confirmed on Friday that the 23-year-old hasn’t been battling any fitness issues, his recent absence from the starting XI has simply just been tactical.
It feels rather harsh. Even when Sarr does not perform to the best of his ability, nobody can question his energy or application which is always a valuable asset for Spurs.
Perhaps this needed to happen – for Sarr to apply just a little bit of pressure on Frank – to give his boss something to think about moving forward. It would be a shock to see Sarr on the bench again on Wednesday at Newcastle.
READ MORE: Tottenham player ratings vs Everton: Van de Ven and Vicario brilliant as Bentancur makes statementREAD MORE: Every word Thomas Frank said on Everton win, Van de Ven and whether Tottenham are title contenders
Kolo Muani’s frustration
It can only be positive that Randal Kolo Muani was unhappy to be substituted on the hour mark.
The Frenchman made a real impression on his first Tottenham start before being replaced by Richarlison. He ran channels unselfishly, protected the ball, held it up and also flicked it on confidently.
It was clear he was relishing the occasion, so much so, he was visibly annoyed when his No.39 shirt was held up by the fourth official.
Kolo Muani isn’t comfortable enough to properly kick up a fuss but his reaction to being substituted was proof that he has fire within his belly. He did not overstep the mark, therefore it should be perceived as a good thing, rather than negative.
Frank said of the Paris Saint-Germain loanee after the game: “It was pleasing to see his first 60 minutes. He’s still building his physicality and sharpness.
“I’m pleased with what I saw, but it’s the first steps, so there’s more to come. I think at times I like some of the movement, the interactions with the front four, but that is an ongoing project or process.”
This was undoubtedly a step in the right direction for the France international frontman.
Van de Ven limping truth
Van de Ven was spotted limping by eagle-eyed Tottenham supporters following the 3-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Dutchman put his body on the line throughout the contest, making seven clearances and three interceptions on top of scoring two fine headers.
Football.London checked in with Frank regarding the stand-in captain’s fitness after the game and he was confident there was no issue whatsoever.
That is reassuring news for Spurs, particularly given Van de Ven might have to go again on Wednesday at St James’ Park, though it would be a major surprise if he wasn’t rested given the amount of football he has played this season.
Dominant Danso
Having reliable cover at centre-back has not always been a formality for Tottenham. But following consecutive clean sheets, Thomas Frank now seems to have found just that in Kevin Danso. The Austrian has been so good, it would actually feel cruel to drop him for Cristian Romero if the Argentine recovered from his adductor injury imminently. Danso made an astonishing 18 clearances against Everton, the most by a Spurs player in a Premier League match since Jan Vertonghen made 21 against Burnley in December 2016. Not only that, he also won all six of his duels (two on ground, four aerially) and relished the physical battle with Beto. The 27-year-old also completed 42 of his 47 passes. His long throw also remains a valuable weapon. Slowly but surely, he is starting to look like a very commendable buy at around £21million.
Frank’s pointed message over Palhinha and Bentancur
When asked by a reporter what he made of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur’s performance, Frank’s eyes lit up in excitement. That’s partially because his persistent usage of the midfield duo has been subjected to scrutiny since the return of club football. However, the experienced pairing were fundamental to Tottenham’s victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and both players oozed class in the centre of the park. No player has made more tackles (39) than Palhinha in the Premier League this season while Bentancur was exceptional in possession and also grabbed an assist for Van de Ven’s opener. Frank said during his press conference: “Thanks for that question! I was looking forward to it, if you didn’t mention that, I probably would have said something. In these types of games it’s clear what they bring to the team. I think it’s very clear, I think both of them today were excellent.” Spurs looked so flimsy domestically last season under Ange Postecoglou – now they look like a tougher nut to crack and that is partially down to Palhinha’s growing influence on this Tottenham side. Frank’s tactics also deserved huge credit.
No European hangovers at Spurs
The blitz Spurs faced in Monaco was difficult to watch at times but the response was nothing short of perfect. We should not be surprised though because Tottenham have performed in each of their post-European matches this season, winning three and drawing once including UEFA Super Cup. That’s a phenomenal record and one that will truly delight both Frank and his coaching staff because that is no easy feat. Tottenham seem to be breaking down barriers left, right and centre under the Dane. The recent 2-1 win at Leeds was the first Spurs victory before an international break since back in 2023 so they must be doing something right.
