To be Frank, Spurs are 'not in the title picture'

TOTTENHAM head coach Thomas Frank does not consider his team to be title contenders despite a 3-0 victory at Everton lifting them into third in the Premier League.

- 

Thomas Frank celebrates with two-goal Micky van der Ven after yesterday's victory against Everton

Two first-half headers from Micky van der Ven were followed by Pape Sarr also nodding home late on to make it 13 points from a possible 15 away from home.

They sit just five points behind leaders and north London rivals Arsenal, and November could be a transformative month for them as they face fellow top-four contenders Chelsea and Manchester United - both below them in the table - before heading to the Emirates Stadium.

But when asked whether Spurs could enter the title race Frank - whose side visit St James’ Park on Wednesday night to take on holders Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup - said: “No, I think there are a few teams ahead of us.”

However, if they can improve their home form while continuing to eke out wins on the road without necessarily playing well they could make life uncomfortable for their rivals.

Van der Ven’s prowess at set-pieces will certainly help in that regard, as he took his tally to five for the season.