tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Micky van de Ven steals the show, 3/10 teammate anonymous – Tottenham player ratings vs Everton

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Micky van de Ven steals the show, 3/10 teammate anonymous - Tottenham player ratings vs Everton - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham got back to winning ways on Sunday with a 3-0 win away at Everton.

The Lilywhites climbed to third in the Premier League table with their latest victory, which came at the end of a hugely frustrating week that had previously brought a defeat and a goalless draw.

Micky van de Ven netted two headers for Tottenham before Pape Sarr added a late third, but it was their threat from set pieces that ultimately provided the key point of difference between the two teams.

Despite the positive result, Thomas Frank will have been concerned with some elements of his side’s showing, and with that in mind, Tottenham News rates the performances of every single Spurs player out of 10.

Micky van de Ven phenomenal for Tottenham yet again

Van de Ven has been a standout performer for Tottenham so far this season, and he has become even more important to his team during the recent absence of Cristian Romero.

MORE SPURS STORIES

His efforts were central to his side’s victory yet again on Sunday, not least considering that he stole the show by scoring a vital brace for his team.

The Dutchman read the game superbly well as always, and was able to make several crucial interventions to prevent the hosts from finding the back of the net.

His aerial ability was invaluable when it came to set pieces in both boxes, and at times it felt like he was a magnet for the ball when Everton delivered it into the Spurs penalty area.

Van de Ven led the game in several metrics, as the stats back up what was a hugely influential performance.

The hat-trick may have ultimately eluded the 24-year-old, but that should do little to detract from another phenomenal display, which was worthy of a 9/10 rating.

Xavi Simons anonymous for Spurs as concerns continue

Xavi Simons has found it difficult to adapt at Tottenham since his arrival in the latter stages of the summer, and his struggles continued on Merseyside on Sunday.

The former PSG and Barcelona starlet hasn’t got a goal contribution to his name since his assist on debut against West Ham at the end of August, and he was anonymous for Frank’s men against Everton.

The 22-year-old was back out on the left wing, as the boss opted to experiment by playing Mohammed Kudus in a central role, and it didn’t particularly benefit the Dutch star.

Simons failed to have any sort of impact for Spurs in a creative sense, and that was reflected in Frank’s decision to haul him off just after the hour mark.

He failed to complete either of his two attempted dribbles and didn’t record a single key pass or shot throughout his time on the pitch.

Simons also won just 50 per cent of his duels in what was a concerning display, worthy of just a 3/10 rating.

Tottenham player ratings vs Everton

Guglielmo Vicario – 8

Pedro Porro – 6

Kevin Danso – 7

Micky van de Ven – 9

Djed Spence – 6

Joao Palhinha – 7

Rodrigo Bentancur – 6

Mohammed Kudus – 5

Xavi Simons – 3

Brennan Johnson – 4

Randal Kolo Muani – 5

Subtitutes

Lucas Bergvall – 6

Richarlison – 7

Pape Sarr – 7

Mathys Tel – N/A

Gary Neville points out ‘incredible’ thing Rodrigo Bentancur did in win vs Everton

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Gary Neville points out ‘incredible’ thing Rodrigo Bentancur did in win vs Everton - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham’s visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium was always destined to be an eventful affair.

Tottenham were not the favourites to win against Everton in the Premier League on 26 October, but battled to a fantastic 3-0 victory against the odds.

Aston Villa defeated Spurs at home last time out, but a moment of individual brilliance from Rodrigo Bentancur ensured fans were able to celebrate at least one goal.

And the midfielder has impressed again in the Lilywhites’ ninth game of the league season, even without finding the net on Merseyside.

Gary Neville praises ‘incredible’ Rodrigo Bentancur

There were calls for Thomas Frank not to start Bentancur against Everton after an inconsistent start to the season.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Indeed, Bentancur’s partnership with Joao Palhinha has been criticised as being too defensive in some of the Lilywhites’ fixtures.

But his doubters were once again proven wrong when he flicked the ball into Micky van de Ven’s path for Spurs’ opener against the Toffees.

On the action, Gary Neville, while commentating on the game via Sky Sports, praised the intelligence behind the play, if the Uruguayan star meant it.

He said: “That’s a really good delivery from Mohammed Kudus, takes out the goalkeeper. Jordan Pickford by all the players around him.

“If he means that Bentancur with his shoulder, well, it’s incredible.”

The praise comes as no surprise, and other than a few mistimed passes, Bentancur had a solid afternoon against Everton.

Rodrigo Bentancur must continue to get in attacking positions

Bentancur’s involvement in Van de Ven’s goal against the Toffees highlights once again how lethal he can be when advanced in the box.

While creativity is definitely not his strong suit, which is illustrated by several stats from Sofascore, he is still finding himself in important areas in the final third.

However, one thing the midfielder is good at is being dangerous when in the box. Whether this is latching onto a well-timed pass or setting up his teammates, his physical stature allows him to be a consistent threat.

This is something that Frank will need to take notice of moving forward, and there is no reason why the Uruguayan can’t become a consistent target in the area for Tottenham.

Pedro Porro called out after ‘reckless’ Tottenham incident vs Everton as worrying trend noticed

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Pedro Porro called out after 'reckless' Tottenham incident vs Everton as worrying trend noticed - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Pedro Porro has been frustratingly inconsistent at Tottenham this season.

The Spaniard is known more for his attacking work despite playing at right-back, with his defensive prowess often called out by fans around him.

With Tottenham taking on Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, Porro knew he would be in for a tough afternoon against a resurgent Jack Grealish.

David Moyes has transformed Grealish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and it was a ropey start for Porro against him.

Pedro Porro lucky after Tottenham controversy

After only seven minutes, the Tottenham star clattered into Grealish as he tried to get away, but escaped any booking from Craig Pawson.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Keith Hackett believes that Porro was reckless in his approach and should have been punished, admitting his growing concern for these tackles in the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-FIFA referee and former PGMOL chief was not happy with what he was watching at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

“I am becoming increasingly concerned with these types of challenges where the player deliberately lands his boot on top of his opponent’s boot and ankle area,” Hackett said.

“The challenge at minimum is reckless and should receive a yellow card.”

Pedro Porro grit needs to be replicated in Tottenham squad

Porro admitted the mentality isn’t right at Tottenham before the trip to Everton, which is the worst possible thing to hear as a fan.

Thankfully, it was a positive start, with Micky van de Ven putting his side ahead at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Everton dominating since the goal, though.

It is critical against Grealish that you don’t let him have a moment of space or peace to do whatever he wants on the ball, as he will terrorise you.

Despite that one foul, he made three clearances, blocked one shot and recovered the ball in an important area, with stats via Sofascore.

Van de Ven’s second goal came from a wicked Porro delivery, and it’s important to focus on that rather than a negative challenge.

The Spaniard will need to stay on top of Grealish in the second half, with Spurs halfway to another crucial three points away from home in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank will regret starting Tottenham star against Everton, he does not do enough

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Thomas Frank will regret starting Tottenham star against Everton, he does not do enough - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Thomas Frank will regret starting Tottenham star against Everton

Thomas Frank and Tottenham will be desperate for all three points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

Tottenham take on Everton in the Premier League on 26 October, as the Lilywhites look to advance their position in the table.

It was heartbreak for Spurs against Aston Villa when Frank’s side were defeated at home for yet another time this season, losing 2-1.

While the Dane will be hoping for a victory, he may not have made it easier for himself or his team.

Rodrigo Bentancur starting will be a problem for Tottenham

Tottenham announced via X on 26 October that Rodrigo Bentancur will start in their confrontation against Everton

MORE SPURS STORIES

While Bentancur netted during Tottenham’s defeat to Villa last week, the midfielder has been unconvincing this season.

The Uruguayan has started six out of seven Premier League games for Spurs, according to Sofascore, accumulating a total of 498 minutes.

His defensive statistics are solid:

However, while 87 per cent of his passes have been accurate this season, his creative statistics have been subpar.

This simply isn’t enough.

While creativity is not his forte, for a Spurs side who are struggling to create chances in the league, he is not what’s needed at the moment.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha double pivot is a problem

Frank has been criticised for deploying Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in a double pivot before.

While Bentancur is more attacking-minded than Palhinha, both are quite defensive players.

The partnership has been said to be too defensive, and considering Spurs have scored just 10 goals from open play in the Premier League season, it seems the criticism has its merit.

As a result, Frank could be making a mistake starting Bentancur against Everton, especially as the Toffees will surely attack with intensity at home.

Tottenham star who’s ‘absolutely flying’ has ‘underlying injury issue’ – Spurs insider

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham star who’s ‘absolutely flying’ has ‘underlying injury issue’ – Spurs insider - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Thomas Frank has made some unpopular decisions while managing Tottenham this season.

The Dane’s start to the season has produced a mixed response from fans.

There were positive signs from Spurs’ defeat to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, but following Tottenham’s recent home defeat to Aston Villa, many fans feel their side lacks an attacking identity.

In addition to this, he has made some odd choices when choosing his starting lineup, including playing Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in an unpopular double pivot. As a result, fans would like to see Frank make a couple of changes moving forward.

Pape Matar Sarr not starting due to injury

Pape Matar Sarr started from the bench in Spurs’ draw to Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on 22 October.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The midfielder was one of the Lilywhites’ best players at the start of the season, but has failed to start since the draw to Bodo/Glimt last month.

While he picked up a knock during that period, fans have still been left concerned about his limited game time.

However, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that injury is the reason that he hasn’t been starting for Frank.

“It must be some sort of underlying injury issue, or the fitness people are saying that as a risk of picking up an injury, so we’re having to use him sparingly,” Wenham said.

“There’s no other explanation because he started the first couple of games of the season. He was absolutely flying. He was our best player to start the season. He was involved in everything and was all action. He was box-to-box. He’s gone away on international duties with his country and has been outstanding. Sarr’s scored a few goals as well.

“So it must be an injury. There’s no other reason why he would suddenly not be playing, because we talk about nice people, he’s another one. He’s a really nice guy, from all the interviews we’ve watched and humble, nice kid. So there’s nothing about his personality for me, there must be an injury.”

How important has Pape Matar Sarr been for Tottenham this season?

Sarr has either not played or started from the bench six times in all competitions this season.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites have won four games with him starting and have only been defeated twice.

This record highlights just how important he has been to Tottenham’s season and how Frank should consider starting him more regularly moving forward.

Pedro Porro claim is exactly what Tottenham fans don’t want to hear before clash vs Everton

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Pedro Porro claim is exactly what Tottenham fans don’t want to hear before clash vs Everton - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham simply need to bounce back against Everton on Sunday.

Since the international break came to a close, the Lilywhites have yet to win in either the Premier League or the Champions League.

Tottenham play Everton next in the Premier League as Frank needs to prove critics wrong, with selection and tactic choices.

Patterns have started to emerge, as Tottenham are statistically poor at holding leads under Frank, as it’s just one area that the head coach needs to improve.

However, with Pedro Porro‘s most recent claim, it won’t ease Spurs fans’ worries.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Pedro Porro admits ‘mentality’ issue at Tottenham

Porro is integral to Tottenham and their chances of success this season, as the defender impressed during the international break while away with Spain.

Unfortunately for him, Porro’s good form hasn’t been of much help for the Lilywhites as they continue to struggle to regain form after the break.

On Thursday, 23 October, Spanish outlet SER released an in-depth interview they had with Porro, as the full-back alluded to a “mentality” problem restricting Tottenham from winning in their Champions League game against Monaco.

Porro said: “We don’t have enough mentality, and in this competition they pass you over and you don’t realise it.

“We are not in a bad situation, but let’s hope that the second [Champions League] victory comes.”

The words from Tottenham’s star man don’t make for great reading, as a mentality issue in the Champions League is bad, let alone in the Premier League.

Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium will prove difficult for Tottenham

Tottenham are travelling to Everton’s new home ground, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, when the two sides meet on Sunday evening.

So far in all competitions this season, the Toffees are unbeaten at home, but Everton is coming almost as a must-win game for Tottenham.

Dropping points against Everton would be costly in Tottenham’s push for Premier League success this season, and would only be a negative result heading into another tough fixture in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle.

Thankfully for Tottenham, their away record is a good one, and Frank should be urging his team to win all three points.

Tottenham break 125-game record in miserable draw vs Monaco as scrutiny turns to Thomas Frank

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham break 125-game record in miserable draw vs Monaco as scrutiny turns to Thomas Frank - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Tottenham managed to take a point back to North London after a disappointing performance in France on Wednesday night.

The international break seems to have hit the Lilywhites hard, as Tottenham drew 0-0 against Monaco in the Champions League, just days after a poor showing in a Premier League defeat to Aston Villa.

Lucas Bergvall came under fire for Spurs, as Guglielmo Vicario may have single handedly won Spurs a point after plenty of saves against the French outfit.

Monaco were winless in four coming into the game, as a lengthy record has now just been snapped after a poor showing from Thomas Frank‘s side.

Tottenham’s 0-0 draw a real rarity

Frank was hailed at the start of the season for his work with Tottenham, but things seem to be fizzling out at the moment.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The game against Monaco was a chance for the Lilywhites to bounce back, and after picking up four points from their first two Champions League games, Tottenham could have done with the win.

Tottenham had a fair split of 50 per cent possession at Stade Louis II, but they were outshot 21-10 by their French opponents – and nine-four in terms of on-target attempts.

Meanwhile, Monaco strung together more passes as they registered 299 to Spurs’ 328 across the 90 minutes.

Ultimately, the blame will fall on Frank’s head. Tottenham have been a team known to score lots of goals in recent times, but against Monaco, the Lilywhites barely threatened in front of goal.

The team Frank lined up with against Monaco was a changed side, as expected, but what’s now noticeable after so many games in charge, is that he is yet to figure out his best combination of players.

Thomas Frank needs to find his best attack

Spurs are still missing Dominic Solanke, and it shows. But it shouldn’t be an excuse for Frank’s attacking philosophy, as chances were hard to come by on Wednesday night.

Richarlison started the game, as the Brazilian is now eight games without a goal for club and country, as Randal Kolo Muani now looks like a serious option for Spurs since coming back from injury.

Bergvall has been in and out of the starting lineup, and it’s unclear at this time to see what Frank’s preferred attacking options are.

The draw against Monaco was poor, and Tottenham face another stiff defensive unit in Everton in their next Premier League game.

As scrutiny on him intensifies, Frank must seriously reconsider his attacking options and devise a plan to break down the Toffees.

Xavi Simons given fresh Tottenham hope amid ‘crazy’ situation

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Xavi Simons given fresh Tottenham hope amid ‘crazy’ situation - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Xavi Simons has struggled to find his best form for Tottenham since arriving in North London.

Tottenham signed Simons from RB Leipzig over the summer as their marquee signing, but he has since disappointed.

The midfielder was substituted on during Spurs’ draw to Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, but struggled to get into the game.

While it was suggested that Thomas Frank needed to play Simons in the 10 to get the best out of him, it seems the issue may be deeper than that.

Tottenham fans will need to be patient with Xavi Simons

Despite it being early days, there is an expectation for Simons to succeed at Tottenham.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Giving players time seems to be something long forgotten in football, and fans will be keen to see him play well.

Guglielmo Vicario has already been made a scapegoat at Tottenham, and there will be fears that Simons is next.

However, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes fans will need to be patient when it comes to the Netherlands international.

And Wenham believes Simons will get a chance to properly prove himself during a “crazy” schedule.

“I think it’s a case of a young player who has a lot of pressure on him to be an instant success, with the fee that was paid for him and his standing in world football with the clubs that he’s played for,” Wenham said.

“He just needs a bit of time to get up to speed, and I’ve seen glimpses that there is an outstanding player. I think his best position will be in the number 10 rather than off the left, but at the moment he’s played off the left a lot because Thomas Frank’s just wanted to get him in the team.

“He was very good on his debut at West Ham. He just needs a run of games. Tottenham have a run of seven games in 21 days or some sort of crazy schedule, so there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for him to feature.

“Once he gets up to speed, I think he’ll be a fantastic signing for the club.”

How has Xavi Simons performed this season?

Fans have already concluded about Simons’ form, but do the stats corroborate the eye test?

He has accumulated 0.28 in expected league goals this season, according to Sofascore.

The attacking midfielder has also registered 1.2 key passes per game and boasts an 86 per cent passing accuracy. On the whole, it’s nothing special.

His Champions League stats are not much better, if not worse. He currently has zero goals from 0.15 expected goals, 0.10 expected assists and has only made 0.3 key passes.

In fairness to him, he has only started in one of the three games so far.

Interestingly, he has only averaged 41.2 touches in the Premier League and 37.7 in the Champions League.

Thus, while his form has been unconvincing, the current set-up doesn’t allow him time or space on the ball, which is a huge issue.

Gabby Agbonlahor drags Richarlison for what he did in Monaco vs Tottenham – ‘Some nerve’

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Gabby Agbonlahor drags Richarlison for what he did in Monaco vs Tottenham - 'Some nerve' - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Richarlison was once again unable to replicate his early-season form as Tottenham drew 0-0 against Monaco in the Champions League.

The Stade Louis II hosted Thomas Frank’s team on 22 October, and the North London outfit were lucky to go home with a point.

Guglielmo Vicario was Spurs’ hero on the night as he denied the French club from finding the back of the net on several occasions, including making a save after a shot four yards out.

While most of the players were underwhelming, the former Everton striker was one of the worst players on the pitch and was substituted in the 70th minute.

Richarlison unhappy after being taken off in Monaco vs Tottenham

Richarlison looked visibly frustrated as he was replaced by Randal Kolo Muani against Monaco.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Brazil international started up front for the North London outfit but was unable to make an impact as he struggled to get into the game.

While the 28-year-old wasn’t helped by the fact that the Ligue 1 outfit were dominating the middle of the park, his decision-making on the ball was woeful in the final third.

Gabby Agbonlahor slammed the centre-forward for being unhappy about being substituted, writing on X: “Some nerve, Richarlison being angry at being taken off.”

In his 70 minutes on the pitch, the striker amassed an xG of 0.1, as per Sofascore, which is nowhere near good enough for the Lilywhites.

Richarlison could be sold soon by Spurs, and if his performance against the Ligue 1 outfit is anything to go by, with just 20 touches and losing possession eight times, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Frank sanction his exit.

Thomas Frank has to make immediate changes vs Everton

Lucas Bergvall was another player who let Frank down against Monaco, and the Danish manager should look to make multiple changes to his starting lineup for the next game.

Tottenham travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 26 October, and the former Brentford boss will be hoping to get back to winning ways after losing to Aston Villa and drawing to Monaco.

Spurs have usually played very well away from home, but Frank has now been given issues to resolve after the performance at the Stade Lois II.

While the North London outfit are dealing with multiple fitness issues in their squad, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani should start in Merseyside at the expense of Bergvall and Richarlison.

Tim Sherwood baffled by ‘unbelievable’ moment in Monaco vs Tottenham

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tim Sherwood baffled by ‘unbelievable’ moment in Monaco vs Tottenham - tottenhamhotspurnews.com
Description

Thomas Frank must go back to the drawing board as Tottenham struggled against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Spurs travelled to the Stade Louis II on 22 October, continuing their unbeaten run in the European competition, albeit in a rather underwhelming manner.

Frank started Lucas Bergvall in the midfield, but the Sweden international had a game to forget as he was substituted at the hour mark for Xavi Simons.

Guglielmo Vicario pulled out all stops to stop the Ligue 1 outfit from scoring, but the North London outfit were arguably lucky not to concede in the 0-0 draw.

Jordan Teze denied by Guglielmo Vicario in Monaco vs Tottenham

In the 75th minute of the game, a chipped cross was played into Spurs’ box, with Jordan Teze heading it towards goal from four yards out.

MORE SPURS STORIES

While the Ligue 1 midfielder must’ve thought he scored, Vicario was on hand to help the North London outfit secure at least a point from the game.

The French club had several opportunities throughout the game, but the Italian goalkeeper had a brilliant game for the Lilywhites.

Speaking on Teze’s missed opportunity on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special on 22 October, Tim Sherwood said: “Unbelievable! He is four yards out!”

Vicario has come in for some criticism at Spurs this season, but the shot-stopper showed his worth against Monaco with some amazing reflex saves.

If it weren’t for the 29-year-old, the North London outfit would’ve certainly gone back home with a defeat.

Read More: What games Cristian Romero is likely to miss as worrying Spurs update emerges

Takumi Minamino should’ve scored hat-trick vs Spurs

While Vicario will get all the plaudits from Spurs fans, they will also consider themselves lucky that Monaco’s attackers didn’t have their shooting boots on.

Takumi Minamino came on in the 70th minute for Ansu Fati and had several opportunities to find the back of the net against Tottenham, with Sherwood saying, “Minamino should have a hat-trick. But he is such a poor finisher. He is falling over; he needs some composure.”

The former Liverpool ace scuffed some decent chances for the hosts, and the Lilywhites would’ve had nothing to complain about in terms of the result had any of them gone in.

Frank will go home with a point, but he’s got a lot to ponder as the North London outfit travel to Merseyside next to take on Everton.