Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank spoke to the media at Hotspur Way on Monday, ahead of our Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening (8pm UK).

Here’s what he had to say...

Any fresh concerns from Everton? Can we get the latest on Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie and Cuti Romero?

Thomas: “It's all good from the guys who played on Sunday. Dominic - steps forward, it's step by step. Cuti is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny is on the pitch as well, so, three steps forward."

You’re top of the league in terms of away form - why do you think it’s so different away compared to at home this season?

Thomas: “It’s still a relatively small sample. Hopefully, at the end of the year, the stats are fantastic away and fantastic home. It's a new team, but still a team that needs to find each other. And how I see it, the way we've chosen to build it. I think we now have nine Premier League games, 14 games in total and we had one bad performance against Bournemouth, second half against Wolves, second half against Monaco, a bad performance. So, I think in general, we're building.”

Were there discussions when you joined the club about winning trophies?

Thomas: “I think it was very clear that we're in this game because we love it and if you are in a club like Tottenham, we would like to do whatever we can to win. I said from the beginning, I'd like to be able to compete in every tournament. We have an opportunity in a tournament where we play, not tomorrow, but Wednesday, against a very strong team. The holders. They have done very well, a very difficult place to play but we will go out there and do everything we can to compete and win and progress.”

How much time do you spend on set pieces? What about the change in style of play in the Premier League?

Thomas: “Yes, Andreas (Georgson, assistant coach/set pieces) is doing a top job. The players are doing a top job. They're on board. They are really committed to it. For me, I think every phase in the game, we need to be good at if we want to build a top team. But set-pieces, obviously, I think it's a third of all goals, something like that, is from set pieces. So, not to use time on it and super focus on details, do the right thing, construct a team so you can defend them, but definitely attack them. I think that's a major strength. I'm very happy with how we are at the moment with that.”

Is a more direct style of football being implemented now?

Thomas: “I haven't seen every game, every league, or at least just the top five leagues. If you just focus on the Premier League, then you can say that. My feeling is also, maybe the feeling was also a stat, that we have more goals this season from set pieces so far, definitely more long throws in general from a lot of teams. So, that's definitely a clear example of more focus on it. Every manager wants to compete and it's about finding the small margins. I think the success that we had at Brentford, maybe not as fancy because it was a smaller club, but also that Arsenal picked it up, I think Liverpool two years ago was extremely good as well. So, the top clubs also picked it up (and thought) probably need to do this if you want to be able to compete or raise the bar to be even better. So, I think that's probably the reason.”

Is it more economical to play like that?

Thomas: “As I said before, you need to be good in all phases. For example, yesterday in the first half, I think we were very good in building from the back. You also need to be in control of the ball in the middle of the pitch sometimes. It's all about what kind of strategy and style you have. A big part of it is definitely to be good at set pieces.”

It is true what they say that once you’ve won a trophy, more will follow?

Thomas: “I think you can put it in two ways. I think it's to get to win that trophy, that's very difficult, but to sustain it is probably even more difficult, but that's the aim. We have some players here that had a fantastic experience last year, winning the Europa League final. And they're very eager to win more trophies and would like to compete and win. So, we are definitely going for it for tomorrow.”

What does Kevin Danso offer to the team and how do you think he’s performed in Cuti Romero’s absence?

Thomas: “He definitely deserves praise. He's stepping into the defence and needs to help the team. Every coach will love him, he’s a fantastic character and personality. I think yesterday he was very good. I think he was good and calm on the ball. I think he had some strong battles with Beto and Barry up front. From crosses, but especially from set pieces in the second half, where they bombarded us a bit, it was like he had a magnet head. So, everything went to him and he cleared it well. He did well.”

What was the reasoning behind Mo Kudus playing more centrally, and what do you think he offered in that role?

Thomas: “I think I sometimes try to change it a little bit, tweak it a little bit in the game. I wanted to have Brennan Johnson, who's very good from the right, his ability to run in behind and produce crosses as well. Having Kudus a little bit more in the middle together with Xavi could create a little bit of an overload. I thought there was elements of something good, especially in the first half. So, I think it's not like it's going to be a definite and he’ll play there all the time, Kudus, but I think those bits in it I liked.”

Have you ever experienced a player who is desperate to leave (your club) and been quite vocal about it? How do you deal with that?

Thomas: “Yes, I've experienced it before. That's very tricky. It's very tricky in general. I think it's important always to try to see it from both perspectives. We always, as I say, give the example and analogy that you look from your side of the elephant. It's difficult to look on the other side of the elephant because you stand on one side. As a person myself, I think I try to do things the right way. But on the flip side, you only have one life yourself so at a certain stage maybe you need to do something. There's also that you signed a contract. You were very happy to sign when you signed it. And part of signing a contract is that there's a contract and a club are paying you money. Same for me in Brentford when I had to leave and had the opportunity to leave to come to Tottenham. So, I think it's very complicated. I prefer that it goes smoothly. But it's all about communication and, yeah, it's tricky.”

You’ve tied down Romero and Bentancur (to longer-term deals) - is Micky van de Ven next?

Thomas: “Yeah, very happy with Micky. I think he's been brilliant for the club since he signed. I think I said it yesterday as well, I think he's taken some steps up this season. I think he actually defended even better. I think he's still very good on the ball. I think he added the goals, the headed goals, which I'm very happy with. He's a threat on set pieces. Character, leadership also growing. So, as far as I know, we have a good contract with him but definitely a player I see a big future in here in the club. I think he's happy here. That's very important. We are happy with him. Let's see what happens in the future. But I think the most important thing is, I agree, it looks like he really enjoys his football. He really enjoys his time here. I'm very happy with him. Everyone is happy. So, that's a good start.”

In an ideal world you’d maybe want to rest van de Ven and a few others - it’s also a competition where you win three games and you’re in the semi-finals - is that the dilemma you’ve got?

Thomas: “Yes, that’s the challenge and the dilemma. Of course, now it's a cup tournament. It's one game. So, it's a little bit more at stake, you can say, but it needs to be the same mindset. So, I changed four players from Monaco to Everton and three from Villa to Monaco. So, of course there will be a little bit of rotation, like I’ve basically have done from game to game, because we played every third or fourth day, you need to do it. Every club does it. If you want to compete, that's the next thing. So, if you want to compete over 60 games, you can't play the same 11 for 60 games because risk of injuries and fatigue and lack of performance, that will just naturally happen. So, it's that fine balance to try to manage that, but that's what we're up for. That's one of the beauties of being Head Coach and sleepless nights to try to figure everything out. That's part of the good fun.”

Micky van de Ven rose highest to claim your HSBC Player of the Match after the centre-back bagged his maiden career brace in our huge 3-0 win at Everton in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Captaining the side for the fourth match on the spin, Micky led by example with a commanding performance at both ends as he chipped in with two first-half goals and helped preserve the clean sheet to see us become the first away side to win at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Watch - Micky at the double in sweet win at Toffees

Built on a solid defensive foundation as the home side sent in plenty of crosses with Micky and Kevin Danso - who made 18 of the 25 clearances between them - excellent in the heart of our defence, our flying Dutchman made a vital contribution down the other end to head in from two corners as we made our set-pieces count.

The Toffees were the only Premier League side yet to concede from a set-piece all season until Mohammed Kudus sent his corner to the back post where Rodrigo Bentancur nodded back across and found our number 37 in the six-yard box who climbed highest to send in the opener.

Having prevented a goal with a vital touch on a dangerous Ndiaye cross to prevent Beto tucking home from close range, our Dutch skipper then doubled his tally for our second just before half-time. After a cluster of corners, Pedro Porro was on the money with his in-swinging delivery as Micky rose above Jordan Pickford to give us a two-goal lead at the break.

Our first defender to score twice in a Premier League game since Jan Vertonghen in 2013 and on a hat-trick throughout the second period, the Netherlands international looked expectant at every attacking set piece but, crucially, needed to be at his defensive best as we dug deep for the clean sheet with some superb saves from Guglielmo Vicario whilst Pape Matar Sarr added a third late on to put the gloss on a fine three points.

Supporters travelling to Tyneside for our Carabao Cup fourth round tie on Wednesday evening should take note of the following important information.

Around 3,000 of our supporters will be making the journey, with kick-off set for 8pm under the lights at St. James’ Park.

Further information can be found in the Newcastle United Visiting Supporters’ Guide here.

Getting to St. James’ Park

St. James’ Park is located close to the junction of Gallowgate, St. James' Boulevard and Barrack Road, just a ten-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station and around five minutes from Monument Metro Station and the city's major bus stations. Travelling via public transport is strongly advised, due to limited parking and traffic restrictions in place around Newcastle on matchdays.

Situated on the East Coast Mainline, Newcastle Central Station is a principal stop for services from London, with direct cross-country routes to and from Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol.

Newcastle Central is a short walk from the stadium, with clear signage to the stadium available.

Park and ride

Park and ride services are offered from two sites close to the A1 motorway, with buses departing Newcastle Great Park (close to the Newcastle Racecourse) and the MetroCentre.

For directions, timetables and additional information, please visit www.gonortheast.co.uk

Newcastle upon Tyne is served by the Tyne & Wear Metro system, which is a light rail network offering frequent services between Newcastle city centre and major transport interchanges and destinations south to Wearside.

St. James' Metro station is recommended for local destinations, while Monument station, which is a five-minute walk away, is served by both yellow and green line routes towards Newcastle International Airport, South Shields and the coast.

For more information, visit www.nexus.org.uk/metro.

Two major bus stations for local and regional services are available located a five-minute walk from St. James’ Park: Haymarket for services to and from Northumberland and the North, and Eldon Square, for services to and from County Durham and the South.

For more information on local bus services, please visit www.nexus.org.uk/bus.

Entering the stadium

Turnstiles will open 90 minutes before kick-off, at 6.30pm on Wednesday. Visiting supporters enter via turnstiles 89-94 in the Leazes Stand in the north end of the stadium, which can be accessed via either the east or west side.

Supporters should allow time for security checks. All supporters will be subject to searching, with drug and pyro detection dogs present.

Visiting supporters are located very high up at St. James’ Park, with 140 steps and 14 landings on the way to the away end. If you need to use a lift, please speak to a steward who will be able to assist.

Accessibility

Limited car parking in Newcastle is available, however public transport is largely accessible for wheelchair users. Access supporters should contact us directly to enquire regarding parking, by emailing access@tottenhamhotspur.com.

Changing places facilities are available in Milburn and East stands, with accessible toilets available throughout the away section.

All details, including information on Audio Description Commentary headsets, quiet viewing area details and food service for access supporters can be found here.

Stewards will be present in accessible viewing areas along with Tottenham Hotspur Access Stewards should any support be required.

Food and drink

Varied catering is available in the concourse on level 7. A full range of hot and cold drinks, as well as confectionary is offered.

Visiting supporter pubs

The hosts advise that there are no specified pubs in the area for visiting supporters, and those wearing away club colours will be unable to enter most venues close to the ground.

Pubs in Newcastle that are further away from the stadium will likely welcome away supporters.

Cashless payments

Contactless payments are encouraged at kiosks in the concourse. Cash is accepted at a limited number of locations. There is a Barclays ATM at the Southwest corner of St. James’ Park.

Tickets

Newcastle United offer the following ticketing guidance to visiting supporters:

Download your digital ticket as soon as possible before arriving at St. James’ Park.

Ensure you have fully charged your phone before you leave home!

If you need any further matchday assistance, you can visit:

Box Office - located in the Milburn Stand. Open for general ticket enquiries;

Gallowgate Box Office (formerly collections) – offering assistance around digital ticketing;

Local Heroes - ‘Happy to Help’ Hub located near Sir Bobby Robson Statue – supporter assistance hub for any matchday enquiries.

Duplicate tickets must be requested by emailing: ticket.office@tottenhamhotspur.com and will only be provided on production of valid photo ID.

Bag policy

Bags larger than A4 in size will not be permitted. Please note there is no bag drop facility for larger bags at St. James’ Park.

Flags and banners

There is only a limited amount of space to display banners and flags within the stadium, and they must therefore be no larger than 1.5m in length and 2.5m in width.

Please note, as at other stadia in the UK and Europe, flags with religious / sectarian / political / inflammatory or offensive messages will not be permitted and may be confiscated. Flag poles are not permitted.

Supporters are also reminded of the Club’s own Flags and Banners Policy which is in effect at away matches.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

Supporters wishing to report anti-social or discriminatory behaviour should speak to the nearest steward, or contact the confidential text service on 60070, with the word 'HELP' giving your location (seat, row, block, stand) and a brief description of the incident.

Spurs Respects

We are proud of our superb and loyal support at home and away.

We recognise that most supporters want to watch a football match and not listen to abusive or indecent language from the stands. Discriminatory or violent behaviour, including racist, homophobic, sexist or anti-disability shouting, chanting or actions, is unacceptable.

The Club reserves the right to indefinitely ban supporters found guilty of using discriminatory language or violent behaviour.

Unauthorised use of tickets

Supporters are reminded that the unauthorised reselling or passing on of tickets is strictly prohibited. In line with the Club's Sanctions & Banning Policy, supporters found to have purchased tickets and subsequently sold or passed them on to other supporters, or offered for sale, will be subject to sanctions.

Supporters unable to attend

Thomas Frank reports that Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie have all taken 'steps forward' as they continue their recovery from injury.

Dominic has been out since August and underwent minor ankle surgery at the end of last month. Destiny has been out since early October with 'minor irritation' on his knee. Club captain Cuti has missed our last three matches with a minor adductor issue.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of our Carabao Cup tie at Newcastle on Wednesday evening (8pm UK), Thomas was asked for an update on all three, plus if there were any issues from Sunday's fine 3-0 win at Everton.

He said: "It's all good from the guys who played on Sunday. Dominic - steps forward, it's step by step. Cuti is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny is on the pitch as well, so, three steps forward."

Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Koto Takai remain sidelined.

Live coverage: Newcastle vs Spurs - Carabao Cup - October 2025  Tottenham Hotspur

Starting out in grassroots…

“I used to be outside in the back garden with my cousin, playing football. I would also go and watch his training because he played in a local boys’ team in my area and eventually I wanted to get involved too when I was around five years old, so my mum asked the coach if I could join. The coach wondered if it might be too challenging since the boys were older, but I really wanted to play. They allowed me to join, and that’s really where I started playing football.”

Bringing flair to her game…

“Ever since I first laced up my boots, football has been my playground. Having been equally comfortable with both feet, I love to keep things unpredictable out on the pitch, with tricky footwork and a bit of freestyle – anything to keep the opposition guessing!

“But it's not all about individual flair - teamwork is key. As a winger, my team-mates know I'm always looking for that final pass or drive towards goal. Whether it's setting up an assist or firing one in myself, I'm all about contributing to the team's success.”

Beginning her journey in Lilywhite…

“I joined Spurs at around Under-10s level. Back then, it was through trials. I was invited to a trial at Fred Knights, the old training ground, and that’s where I got noticed and I’ve been here ever since.

“Grace Breen and I have been here with each other since the Under-10s and some of my coaches are even still here and continue to coach me. Micah [Walters] and Chris [Gillman] had a big impact on me at the very beginning of my journey and they continue to do so now.

“From Under-10s to Under-19s, it’s been a big jump. At the start, girls’ football at the club was still developing, training pitches weren’t great, it felt more grassroots. As I got older, the facilities improved, the environment became more professional and at first, it felt like a hobby, but now it’s about competing and aiming to reach that first team.”

Making a WSL matchday squad…

“It was unbelievable! Just walking into the stadium, hearing the noise from the supporters and seeing my name in the matchday graphic and on television… it was surreal, something you dream of since you were young. My mum and cousin were there, which made it even more special. The whole experience, from staying in the hotel to preparing with the team, it all just felt like a dream.”

First team exposure…

“Having the opportunity to be in and around the first team at my age, just 16 years old, has been fantastic. This was my first full pre-season with them, including going on the Performance Camp in Spain, and something that I will always be grateful to have had that opportunity.

“The speed, precision and forward-thinking are on another level. I tried out different positions such as striker and left-back, I was constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, which is exactly where I want to be. Who knows, maybe tomorrow you'll see me between the sticks, I might just have a hidden talent for goalkeeping. The possibilities are endless!”

Away from the pitch…

“I'm all about those precious moments with my family and my pet dog called Milo. Beyond that, I'm a bit of a fashion enthusiast with a serious passion for collecting trainers, you could say I'm always on the hunt for the next grail to add to my collection.”

Thomas Frank felt Guglielmo Vicario’s performance in our fine win at Everton toppled his display against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League last week.

Vic produced another two saves for the highlight reel in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium – a reaction palm away to his left to keep out Beto’s overhead kick from six yards, then getting down to a twice deflected effort from Illiman Ndiaye.

Both came as the home side tried to claw their way back into the game with us 2-0 up via Micky van de Ven’s headers from Mo Kudus and Pedro Porro’s corners. Like Monaco – where Vic racked up eight saves out of eight in a goalless draw – we stood firm, kept a clean sheet and wrapped it up when Pape Matar Sarr nodded home Richarlison’s assist from Pedro’s cross.

That moved our unbeaten start on the road to five games – our best haul after five away games in the Premier League since 2012/13 – and took us into third – the only team to remain unbeaten away – the first team to score a set piece against Everton this season – and – the first team to win at the Hill Dickinson.

Thomas told us how delighted he was with the performance and speaking to us afterwards, went into more detail on individual displays. “Vicario, man of the match against Monaco. Today - I liked the performance even more,” said Thomas. “I think it was complete.

“I think the way he dealt with the feet, nice composure. We found a little bounce. Went to go long, go long. Good out in the area where he needs to be out in the area on all the set pieces. And then, of course, two great saves - key saves - especially on the overhead kick.”

At the other end of the pitch, Randal Kolo Muani made his first start and completed an hour’s shift. “Yeah, happy,” said Thomas. “I think, again, good steps going forward, good to get 60 minutes get into him. I think he looks good. Of course, there's much more to come. He's not physically where we want him to be, but a good first step.”

Asked about Randal in his post-match press conference, Thomas added: “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."

Meanwhile, there was a tweak in the forward areas with Mo Kudus moving inside from the right into the ‘10’ role with Brennan Johnson starting on the right and Xavi Simons on the left of the front four, with Randal up top.

“We tried to mix it up a little bit,” added Thomas. “I think another one we need to praise is Brennan Johnson. I think the way he came in and solved the task… I liked his directness. I think he was positive going forward, very good defensively, very happy with him. We needed him with what he can do, and then try to have Mo in there, because we think it fits with Mo and Xavi, and then Djed came up a little higher.”

Thomas Frank spoke to the media at Hill Dickinson Stadium after our 3-0 win against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Here's what he had to say...

You must be so pleased to come to such a difficult ground and win so convincingly?

Thomas: "Very, very happy with that, I think overall a very solid performance, especially pleased with the first half. I think we were good in phase one, good in phase two, more passes, control of the game more in phases, in general, The second half was a little bit more of a dogfight at times. Going here to Everton, which is against a very good team, well set up by David Moyes and a very good home crowd, they've been unbeaten here so far. To go to any ground in the Premier League, to win 3-0 away from home is a very good result. So, yes, very happy, happy with obviously the set pieces as well. What I would say, the clean sheet mentality, that is a very good foundation to stand on. That gives you an ability to perform at a certain level where you want to always do a little bit more, but be really, how can you say, competitive and especially away from home. Then I think we are, is it three years ago we played Champions League, or three years ago? It's still quite an inexperienced Champions League squad to go every third or fourth day. One of the most difficult things with that is to be able to compete in both tournaments and especially after an away trip in Champions League and then go away in the Premier League again. So, to/ keep the energy, the focus, the intensity to be able to do that, I'm very pleased with the players, how they handled that to get the win today. Plus, we also did it after Bodo, travel, then travel to Leeds and win. So, I think it shows a lot about that mentality. There's things we like to work on, but the most important thing is the mentality."

You mentioned clean sheets - how important have van de Ven and Vicario been, especially in the absence of Cuti Romero?

Thomas: "Yeah, I agree and don't forget Kevin Danso, maybe he was not as highlighted as the two others, but he has done very well to step into big, big shoes to fill out after Cuti. Micky, man of the match, clearly defended well, two goals and good on the ball. And I think Vicario, man of the match in Monaco, but today I think his performance was more complete, good with the feet, very good in the box and two exceptional saves."

There's been a lot of talk about Palhinha and Bentancur - is this the type of game where it's clear what they bring together?

Thomas: "I think it's very clear. I think both of them today were excellent. I think they were very good on the ball. I think they were excellent defensively, landed on the second ball when they needed to. I think we controlled the game more, I think the bounce passes and the bits and pieces to build up and control the game was very good. So, in a time where we are building and going to the next level, I think they are extremely important."

You spoken a lot about attacking set pieces, what about the defensive set pieces? What have you and Andreas Georgson done this summer to improve the team's record?

Thomas: "I agree that today of course we scored two goals, but it's equally important that we can keep the ball out of the net. The team did very well and I think Andreas and Sean, our set-piece analysts, have done a top job with the team throughout, from when we started to now. That's both structure of how we want to do it, but also we know when there's a structure but there's also the physicality and then you need the desire. The structure and principles are very clear."

Van de Ven didn't score any goals last season but now he has five in 14 appearances, what have you done?

Thomas: "First and foremost, I think he's really growing and taking some big steps. I'm very pleased with him overall. I think he's taking more leadership. I think he's defending better and better, not only using his pace but also more clever positions. I'm very happy with that. And then I said, actually at the beginning of the season, I said, it's okay you score with your left foot and your right foot, but you need to score more goals with your head. We have worked with it and that's a big praise to Micky, but especially to Andreas and the way he, how can you say, attack the ball, also get in there where it hurts, I think is key. Now, yeah, hopefully it will continue."

You're the only unbeaten away team in the Premier League - what do you read into that?

Thomas: "Normally it's very difficult to do that and it's been very difficult, no doubt about that, but I think to have a foundation where we have a solid foundation, but of course when you go away from home, you normally need to defend a little bit more, especially where we are. And I think how we defend high, high pressure, but especially the middle block, but also the box, I think is important. Set pieces, both boxes, can make a difference on a day like that. Then we're adding layers. And then the overall thing, as I said, is that mentality to want to run hard and every team need to do that."

It was Randal Kolo Muani's first start - how did you think he did and how do you feel your attack is working at the moment?

Thomas: "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."

With Xavi Simons, do you think building a relationship with Randal will help?

Thomas: "I like Xavi. I think he found some good positions. Maybe the final top actions are still missing, but I think still there was good actions. He just needs to keep going, keep building and keep working on it."

It felt symbolic at the end when you celebrated in front of the fans, bringing everyone together?

Thomas: "Yeah, maybe. I think it's a big part. I think it's important to do it when we win. It's important to do it when we draw. It's important also to do it when we lose, because we're in it in good times and bad times. And, of course, it's a very good time today. Very happy with a win, a difficult away win. But, of course, as you say, the togetherness that is on and off the pitch, that is between players, staff, fans, the stronger that can be, the better it will be."

On Porro's corners, is it specifically worked on to be that narrow to the post, the deliveries were exceptional...

Thomas: "I think we have a plan to play close to the goal, but it's sometimes difficult to hit it that precise all the time. But as long as it's in a very good area, close to goal, then there's more opportunities to potentially score."

Realistically, how far can this side go?

"We are at the beginning of building something. I'm very happy with a lot of things. As I said, the defensive side of it, mentality, set pieces, but I think there's a bit we need to work on, especially offensively, to be more free-floating still. And for me, it's a long season ahead. I'm very happy going away from home after two away games in the Champions League. That's a big part of it, but to continue performing day in, day out is a challenge, which we embrace and want to do. Who knows. I need to take it one game at a time."

Do you see the team as title contenders?

"No. That, I think, is probably a few teams that are ahead of us. I think it's fair to say that. I'm only thinking one game at a time, and let's see where we are in April."

Thomas Frank declared himself ‘very happy with the performance, extremely happy with the win’ after we became the first team to beat Everton at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

First half goals from skipper Micky van de Ven, both towering headers from corners, gave us the platform to extend our away record to four wins and a draw in five so far this season – our best return on the road at this stage since 2012/13. Pape Matar Sarr wrapped it up in the last minute, nodding home after Richarlison headed Pedro Porro’s cross back across goal.

Speaking to us pitchside, Thomas reflected: “Of course, I’m extremely happy with the win, very happy with the performance. To be able to go away at any away ground in the Premier League and win 3-0 is quite remarkable and this against a good Everton side, the first time they lose here at the new stadium.

“I was happier with the first half. I liked how we did in phase one and phase two - more control, more passes, good pressure. I really liked that bit. Obviously, set pieces were top, which is crucial.

“The second half was a little bit more of a dogfight, but I said it from the beginning, can we get that clean sheet mentality into the boys? If we can, then we will win a lot of games when we're not on top. There's a lot of things we'd like to improve but, overall, it was a good, solid away performance.”

A magnificent performance saw us become the first away team to win at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium following a commanding 3-0 victory on Sunday afternoon.

Superb in all areas of the pitch, we were particularly strong at the back as the home side bombarded us with plenty of crosses with Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven excellent in the heart of our defence, while our Dutch skipper also chipped in with two first-half goals to lay the foundations for the victory. He headed home from close range from two corners as we made our set-pieces pay, giving us a two-goal advantage at the break, while Everton had a goal ruled out after a VAR intervention with the score at 1-0.

After the break, we kept out everything the Toffees could throw at us with Guglielmo Vicario making some excellent saves, before securing the three points with a late Pape Matar Sarr header, the win seeing us climb up to third in the Premier League table – we are the only team to remain unbeaten away from home in the division so far this season.

Playing for the first time at the impressive new venue on the banks of the River Mersey, it was our hosts who almost opened the scoring in the third minute after Iliman Ndiaye burst away from Djed Spence down Everton’s right and clipped over a cross which went all the way through to Jack Grealish at the back post, only for his powerful drive to hit the leg of Pedro Porro inside the six yard box and Beto fired the rebound over.

We settled into the game well and looked good in possession before we took the lead in the 19th minute. Everton were the only Premier League team yet to concede a goal from a set-piece all season when Mohammed Kudus sent over a deep corner, Rodrigo Bentancur snuck around the back and got enough contact on the ball to send it into the six-yard box where van de Ven climbed highest to nod home.

The home fans were unhappy a few minutes later, too, after the Toffees had a goal ruled out. Vicario had tipped a James Garner 20-yarder around the post for a corner and, from the set-piece, Jake O’Brien glanced home a header which Vicario was unable to keep out. On closer inspection though, VAR spotted Ndiaye and Grealish both in an offside position making contact with our goalkeeper and after checking the pitchside monitor, referee Craig Pawson disallowed the goal.

The chances kept coming at both ends, Bentancur not far wide with a 22-yard half-volley while van de Ven just got a touch on a dangerous Ndiaye cross to prevent Beto tucking home from close range before we added a second on the stroke of half-time. After a flurry of corners, Porro whipped one in right on top of Jordan Pickford and van de Ven got there first to glance the ball into the back of the net.

As we expected, Everton came out with increased intensity after the interval with Ndiaye flicking just wide before Vicario pulled off a magnificent point-blank save to push away Beto’s overhead kick in the 54th minute. But we had a huge chance for number three when Porro launched a ball over the top, substitute Richarlison got the better of James Tarkowski and was in on goal but Pickford stood tall to deny him.

The rain got heavier as the game went on making conditions really tricky, while the Toffees started to apply some sustained pressure. Defensively, though, we were staying strong with Vicario making another wonderful save low down to tip away Ndiaye’s deflected effort while Joao Palhinha made a big block to keep out Idrissa Gueye’s shot.

The ball kept coming into our box from crosses and set-pieces but every single time it was a Spurs player who got the first contact to clear the danger. And then, as Everton fans were leaving in their droves, we broke away and scored a wonderful third in the 89th minute. Porro had time and space down the right to float over a deep cross which Richarlison nodded back across goal and there was Sarr to send his header past Pickford to round off a fine victory.