Everton 0-3 Spurs | Thomas on Kudus, Kolo Muani and Vicario ‘even better than Monaco’ | OneFootball

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.”