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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Xavi Simons gives Tottenham attacking boost ahead of Arsenal trip

On target: Xavi Simons - (Getty Images)

Xavi Simons scored to help the Netherlands reach the World Cup in a timely boost for the Tottenham star.

The 22-year-old scored the third goal in a 4-0 win as the Netherlands cruised past Lithuania to book their place at next summer's tournament.

Ronald Koeman's side went unbeaten in their eight qualifying matches and will get their chance to become the first Dutch team to win the World Cup.

That was only the second goal Simons has scored this season, and the first since he netted for RB Leipzig in the DFB Cup back in August.

He is yet to get off the mark in a Spurs shirt, but Thomas Frank will hope a return to the scoresheet sparks some confidence.

Spurs travel to take on Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday in what is the toughest test Frank has faced so far.

Simons registered an assist from a corner on his Spurs debut, but that remains his only goal involvement in the Premier League in eight appearances.

The signs have been more promising in recent weeks, though, with Simons impressing against Copenhagen and Manchester United before the international break.

There was more good news for Frank and Spurs as Micky van de Ven was given a rest against Lithuania.

He played the full 90 minutes against Poland on Friday but was then an unused substitute for the final qualifier, ensuring he would be fresh for the Arsenal clash.

No outfield Spurs player has played as many Premier League minutes as Van de Ven this season.

The Dutchman came off in the closing stages against West Ham in September but has otherwise played the full 90 minutes in every match.

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