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Thomas Frank ‘pleased’ to get Tottenham project off the ground; yet to optimise physicality and sharpness

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Oct 27, 2025 12:52 PM ET

Thomas Frank was pleased to see Randal Kolo Muani make his first Tottenham Hotspur start in the 3-0 win over Everton

Tottenham Hotspur bounced back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday by beating Everton 3-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Spurs ran out comfortable winners in Merseyside, climbing back into the top four. By doing so, they also handed Everton their first defeat at their brand-new stadium. Leading the team in the absence of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven rose highest to score from a corner for the opener- the first time the Toffees had conceded from a set-piece in the Premier League this season. He did so again on the stroke of half-time to double the Lilywhites’ advantage.

Everton had a goal chalked off legitimately in the first half after it was deemed Iliman Ndiaye was in the offside and impeded goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to stop Jake O’Brien’s header. The Toffees dominated possession and had a few chances, but Vicario continued his fine form from the AS Monaco and made some brilliant saves to keep his clean sheet intact. Eventually, Pape Matar Sarr came off the bench and secured the points with a header in the 89th minute.

Thomas Frank happy with Randal Kolo Muani’s performance vs Everton

Deadline-day acquisition on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, Randal Kolo Muani has not had time to settle at Tottenham thanks to a dead leg suffered in September. He fully recovered earlier this month and only made his Premier League debut last week against Aston Villa. Thomas Frank said the Frenchman is “getting closer” to starting games for the north Londoners before the visit to Everton.

Surprisingly, the Dane handed Randal Kolo Muani his first start in a Tottenham shirt on Sunday at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. As expected, the 26-year-old could not last the whole game and was substituted at the hour mark. Addressing the media after the game, Thomas Frank was asked to give his verdict on Kolo Muani’s first start for Spurs. The 51-year-old said (h/t Football London):

“I think 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 in times I like some of the movement, the interactions with the front four, but that is an ongoing project or process.”

Kolo Muani still getting used to his teammates and the league

Kolo Muani had a decent game against Everton. Leading the Spurs attack, he consistently linked play with fellow attackers Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Brennan Johnson did his best to stretch the home side’s defence. The forward did lose possession at times cheaply and was left isolated, but he offered more than Richarlison and Mathys Tel have done in recent games.

It is clear to see that the France international is still not fully fit and sharp, and Frank did well to give him an hour on the field. With more time, combinations with his teammates and understanding of the league, Kolo Muani will come better for the Europa League champions.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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