Thomas Frank issues high praise after “impressive” derby day victory

West Ham 0-3 Spurs // Frank on set-piece success, Xavi and Lucas impress and another clean sheet this season

Thomas Frank was in high spirits after his side dismantled West Ham 0-3 at the London Stadium on Saturday evening, placing emphasis on our success from set-pieces, assured performances from Lucas Bergvall and Xavi Simons, and the importance of the clean sheet.

It was a performance in which each and every player played a key role in the dominant second half which saw us find the net three times in 17 minutes, as we capitalised on our opponents going down to 10 men via a late challenge by Tomas Soucek on Joao Palhinha.

As for Frank’s comments, the manager was quick to issue praise for his team’s performance as he said: “I think we really grew into it and the last 20 or 25 minutes, something like that, I think we dominated and created a lot of good opportunities.”

It was a clear pattern that much of our promising passages of play came in the wide areas and from set-pieces. Having clocked up 13 corners throughout the match, Frank recognised his side’s resilience in the final third to break the deadlock and pile on the pressure after taking the lead. Frank said, “It was difficult to get the clear-cut chances, but when we got it to Xavi and Mo on the sides and played and run, produced crosses… and a lot of corners where we also were very dangerous.”

The introduction of Xavi Simons to the left wing on his debut was a player that impressed Frank in particular, and Spurs fans can certainly be excited for what more is to come from the Dutchman after grabbing himself an assist for Pape Matar Sarr’s headed goal. “I liked what I saw from him.” Frank said. “I liked that he took initiative on the ball. And I think he had a wonderful assist for the first goal from a corner. Worked hard as well. I think it was a good first game."

As well as Simons, Bergvall was handed a start and for sure was the standout performer on the night with the highlight being his delicate header over the top of Hermansen as he latched onto Romero’s pinpoint pass to extend our lead to two and notch his first Premier League goal. “I really like his energy, his pressing skill, his enthusiasm.” Frank said. “Fantastic goal. Well-timed run. Top ball from Romero. And a well-executed header.”

Frank also made sure to highlight the importance of earning our third clean sheet in four Premier League games so far this season. The solidity that the back four have shown combined with chipping in at the other end of the pitch in an attacking sense has been a key factor in earning that winning feeling. “It's hugely important that we are good defensively.” Said Thomas. “Obviously, we want to score, we want to play forward, want to play offensive football, we've scored eight goals, clearly we want to score goals, but over so many, many games, that foundation, being able to get clean sheets is key.”