Thomas Frank Claims Micky van de Ven’s Goal at West Ham ‘Didn’t Count’ as Tottenham Manager Explains What He and Spurs Defender Were Seen Joking About

Spurs Outclass West Ham in London Derby

There’s something deeply satisfying about a team going up a gear after a cagey first half, and Tottenham Hotspur offered exactly that on Saturday afternoon. Facing a tricky away fixture against West Ham United at the London Stadium, Spurs produced a performance that silenced the home crowd and underlined their intent to stay in the title conversation this season.

The first 45 minutes were hardly vintage football—scrappy, tense, with moments where it felt like both teams were more concerned about avoiding mistakes than creating chances. Yet after the interval, Tottenham shifted from methodical to ruthless. Within minutes of the restart, they struck through Pape Matar Sarr, and suddenly the floodgates opened.

By the time Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven added their names to the scoresheet, the Hammers looked broken, the atmosphere deflated. It ended 3-0 to Spurs, a result that not only boosted confidence but also propelled them up the Premier League standings, tied with Arsenal on nine points, trailing only on goal difference.

Thomas Frank Explains His Demands from Defender

Yet as emphatic as the win was, the moment that grabbed headlines after the match wasn’t a screamer or a refereeing decision—it was the lighthearted exchange between Thomas Frank and Micky van de Ven.

Van de Ven, who capped his afternoon with a goal, was substituted in the 80th minute. As he made his way off the pitch, cameras picked up a playful interaction between the defender and his manager. The Dutchman appeared to be chuckling while Frank gestured animatedly, as if jokingly unimpressed.

When quizzed about the exchange in the post-match press conference, Frank explained with a smile:

“Yes, I want a goal from him from set-pieces! It was a second-phase set-piece but it didn’t count if it was left or right foot. I need a header.”

The manager’s comments offered a fascinating glimpse into his high standards for defenders. It wasn’t enough that Van de Ven had scored; Frank wants aerial dominance, goals from headers, and the kind of presence in the box that turns set-pieces into a constant threat.

It was tongue-in-cheek, sure, but it also reinforced a serious point: Tottenham’s ambitions this season require not just defensive solidity but contributions from every corner of the pitch.

Van de Ven’s Growing Role at Spurs

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The Dutch defender has been quietly becoming one of Spurs’ most important figures. His pace, reading of the game, and composure on the ball have already drawn plaudits, but what Frank is pushing for is the next stage of his development.

A center-back who can chip in with goals is a priceless asset. Think of players like John Terry, Vincent Kompany, or even Sergio Ramos—leaders who often changed games by stepping up in big moments from set-pieces. Van de Ven has the physical tools to do the same, and Frank knows it.

That’s why, even in a 3-0 victory, the manager is nudging his player towards higher standards. The message is clear: good is not enough when great is possible.

Maddison Raises Questions on Refereeing

Of course, no Premier League weekend is complete without refereeing drama. In the first half, Cristian Romero had a goal disallowed after being judged to have pushed Kyle Walker-Peters inside the box.

On-field referee Jarred Gillett and VAR official John Brooks came under heavy scrutiny, with many arguing that the decision was soft. Among those voicing frustration was Spurs’ injured playmaker James Maddison, who took to social media to call out the officials for inconsistency.

Maddison’s comments echoed a growing frustration across the league. Managers, players, and fans alike are questioning whether VAR is delivering clarity or simply complicating matters. For Tottenham, though, the disallowed goal didn’t matter in the end. The three second-half strikes ensured that controversy stayed a subplot rather than the main story.

Spurs Outclassed West Ham, but Frank Wants More

The 3-0 scoreline may suggest a dominant Spurs display from start to finish, but those who watched the game closely know it was about patience and composure.

• First Half: Tottenham controlled possession without much penetration. West Ham defended deep, relying on counterattacks.

• Second Half: Spurs came alive. The tempo increased, the pressing was sharper, and clinical finishing made the difference.

What impressed most was the balance in Tottenham’s play. Sarr offered dynamism in midfield, Bergvall provided flair and cutting edge, and the backline, anchored by Van de Ven, rarely looked rattled.

Still, Thomas Frank’s insistence on demanding more—particularly from set-pieces—illustrates his relentless pursuit of improvement. For him, a clean sheet and three goals aren’t the end of the story; they’re a platform to build on.

When Are Tottenham Playing Next?

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There’s little time for Spurs to bask in their London derby triumph. On Tuesday night, they begin their Champions League campaign at home against Villarreal.

It’s a fixture that carries enormous weight. European nights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are always electric, and with expectations high under Frank’s management, the pressure will be on to start with a statement performance.

For Van de Ven, the Villarreal clash represents another opportunity to showcase his growing importance. Whether he scores with his left foot, right foot, or the header his manager so desperately wants, Spurs fans will be watching closely.

Thomas Frank and the Psychology of Standards

What’s fascinating about Frank’s comments is how they reflect his managerial philosophy. By publicly joking that Van de Ven’s goal “didn’t count,” he kept the mood light but also sent a message: nobody should get too comfortable.

It’s a subtle form of motivation, wrapped in humor. Players laugh in the moment, but later, in training or during a corner in the next match, the thought lingers: the boss wants a header from me.

This balance between positivity and pressure is what defines elite management. Frank knows that Tottenham, if they’re to challenge Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, can’t afford to settle for half-measures. Every detail counts, from the shape of a defensive line to the type of goals a center-back scores.

Conclusion: Spurs Flying, but Demands Remain

The headline might read: Thomas Frank Claims Micky van de Ven’s Goal at West Ham ‘Didn’t Count’ as Tottenham Manager Explains What He and Spurs Defender Were Seen Joking About. But beneath the humor lies the essence of Tottenham’s new identity.

This is a side that refuses to be satisfied with a routine win. This is a manager who pushes his players for more, even when the scoreboard flatters them. And this is a squad growing in confidence, determined to turn potential into silverware.

Van de Ven’s goal may “not have counted” in Frank’s book, but the message certainly did: at Spurs, excellence is the only standard.