Xavi Simons hands Tottenham a timely attacking lift ahead of their visit to Arsenal.

Xavi Simons boosted his confidence by scoring as the Netherlands sealed their World Cup spot, offering Tottenham a timely lift ahead of the trip to Arsenal.

The 22-year-old netted the third goal in a 4-0 win over Lithuania, helping Ronald Koeman’s unbeaten side book their place at next summer’s tournament. It was only Simons’ second goal of the season and his first since scoring for RB Leipzig in the DFB Cup in August. He has yet to score for Spurs, but Thomas Frank will hope this strike helps spark some momentum.

Tottenham visit Arsenal on Sunday for the north London derby, Frank’s toughest test so far. Simons claimed an assist from a corner on his Spurs debut, but that remains his only Premier League goal involvement in eight appearances. His performances have picked up recently, impressing against Copenhagen and Manchester United before the international break.

Spurs also received encouraging news with Micky van de Ven rested against Lithuania. After playing 90 minutes against Poland on Friday, he was an unused substitute for the final qualifier, leaving him fresh for the derby. No outfield Spurs player has logged more Premier League minutes this season, with Van de Ven only briefly coming off late against West Ham in September and completing every other match.