The harder the better for Tottenham, it would appear.
Home matches against sides they are expected to beat prove problematic. An away trip to Everton, however, was one that on paper looked an incredibly tough test and it was one they passed with flying colours.
Spurs are the first side to come away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium with all three points and this was a 3-0 win built on the principles of Thomas Frank.
Committed defending, efficient set-pieces and a superb mentality in a heated atmosphere. Spurs are up to third in the Premier League, only a point off Bournemouth above them and five off leaders Arsenal.
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Another statement away day
For all their troubles at home, Spurs have the best away record in the Premier League. They are the only side not to be beaten on the road.
It is now 13 points picked up from a possible 15, a draw at Brighton the only thing between them and a perfect record.
This might be the most satisfying win of the lot for Frank. After a tough week and against an Everton side that had not tasted a defeat in their new stadium, this was a brilliant result.
The conditions were ugly and so, at times, was the performance. Kevin Danso took as long as he could before delivering long throws and Van de Ven was happy to get into a shoving match in the Everton.
In an increasingly frustrated stadium, though, Spurs kept their heads. Everton chucked plenty of crosses into the box but the defence held up superbly, and the visitors were ruthless at the other end.
Free-flowing, entertaining football? No. This was not a day for that. It was a day for grinding out a result in difficult circumstances and Spurs were up to the task.
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In a league that has become increasingly fixated on set-pieces, Frank’s arrival at Spurs has proved to be a timely one.
His predecessor Ange Postecoglou had little time for them but Spurs are now among the league’s best from dead-ball situations, thanks largely to the work of set-piece coach Andreas Georgson.
Everton had not conceded from a corner all season before this match – by half-time they had done so twice.
Van de Ven was at the double twice to take his tally for the season to five. The first he turned in after the good work from Rodrigo Bentancur, before timing his run perfectly to beat Jordan Pickford for the second.
Spurs are still not clicking into gear from open play, but the set-piece threat makes it easier to be patient.
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Kolo Muani catches the eye
Good things come to those who wait.
Almost two months after signing for Spurs on Deadline Day, Randal Kolo Muani got his chance to start for the first time. He is not yet up to full fitness but he was still able to show what Spurs have been missing.
In the first half, he played a clever first-time ball into the path of Xavi Simons, who should have done more in the box. Shortly afterwards another lovely touch set the Dutchman running into space.
Richarlison has looked leggy in recent weeks, having played so much football earlier the season, while Mathys Tel has worked hard but is not a natural striker.
Kolo Muani held the ball up much more confidently and helped get Spurs up the pitch when Everton were having periods of pressure.
He was only able to play for an hour, but that was already enough evidence to suggest Spurs are a better side with the Frenchman up front.
