Three takeaways from Tottenham’s victory as Thomas Frank introduces two fresh tactical weapons
Tottenham seem to thrive when the challenge is toughest.
While home games against weaker opposition have caused problems, an away trip to Everton — unbeaten at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium — was expected to be a major test. Instead, Spurs rose to the occasion with a convincing 3-0 win built on Thomas Frank’s core principles: disciplined defending, smart set-pieces, and mental resilience in a charged atmosphere.
The victory makes Tottenham the first team to claim all three points at Everton’s new ground, lifting them to third in the Premier League — one point behind Bournemouth and five off leaders Arsenal.
Another statement on the road
Despite home inconsistencies, Spurs boast the league’s best away record. They remain unbeaten on their travels, with 13 points from a possible 15 — only a draw at Brighton denying them a perfect run.
This win may be Frank’s most rewarding yet. After a difficult week, his team handled a hostile environment and physical opposition superbly. Everton bombarded the box with crosses, but Spurs stayed composed, defended stoutly, and punished their hosts clinically at the other end.
It wasn’t a match for flair or flowing football — it was about digging deep, and Tottenham delivered exactly that.
Set-piece strength shines again
In a Premier League increasingly shaped by set-pieces, Frank’s Spurs have turned them into a major weapon. Under his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, dead-ball situations were rarely emphasized, but thanks to set-piece coach Andreas Georgson, they’ve become one of the best in this area.
Everton hadn’t conceded from a corner all season — until Spurs arrived. By half-time, they had been breached twice. Micky van de Ven scored both goals, first reacting sharply after Rodrigo Bentancur’s effort and then timing his run perfectly to head past Jordan Pickford for his second, taking his tally to five this season.
Though open-play fluidity remains a work in progress, Tottenham’s set-piece prowess allows patience to pay off.
Kolo Muani makes his mark
Nearly two months after joining on Deadline Day, Randal Kolo Muani finally earned his first start — and showed glimpses of what Spurs have been missing.
Still short of full fitness, the French forward impressed with his link-up play and composure. In the first half, he released Xavi Simons with a clever first-time pass and later produced another neat touch to launch an attack.
With Richarlison looking fatigued and Mathys Tel still adapting, Kolo Muani’s ability to hold up the ball and relieve pressure proved invaluable. His hour on the pitch was enough to suggest Tottenham are stronger with him leading the line.
