Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven redeemed himself in spectacular fashion, scoring a breathtaking solo goal to headline a commanding 4-0 Champions League victory over Copenhagen on Tuesday night.
The Dutchman, along with teammate Djed Spence, had earlier fallen out of favour with manager Thomas Frank after the pair failed to acknowledge fans following last weekend’s loss to Chelsea.
Both players apologised to the Spurs boss, and Van de Ven was handed a chance to make amends, one he seized emphatically.
His wonder goal, a dazzling run from his own half capped by a precise low strike past Dominik Kotarski, epitomised Spurs’ renewed attacking spirit and was met with roars of approval from the home crowd.
By that point, Tottenham were already cruising. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 19th minute after capitalising on a defensive blunder from Kotarski, slotting home his first goal in nine games.
Wilson Odobert added the second early in the second half after another Kotarski miscue, before Van de Ven’s solo effort and Joao Palhinha’s close-range finish sealed the rout.
Despite Johnson’s second-half red card for a reckless tackle on Marcos Lopez — upgraded to a sending-off after VAR review, Tottenham controlled proceedings from start to finish, delivering the kind of fluid, attacking football that had been missing in recent weeks.
The emphatic win, Spurs’ first at home since September 24, not only restored confidence but also extended their unbeaten Champions League run to four matches (two wins and two draws).
For Van de Ven, it was more than just a goal, it was redemption. His passionate celebration, cupping an ear toward supporters before being embraced by teammates, symbolised a renewed bond between player, manager, and fans after a difficult few days.
Richarlison nearly made it five late on but rattled the crossbar from the penalty spot after Dane Scarlett was fouled. Still, the night belonged to Van de Ven, whose moment of brilliance brought harmony and hope, back to north London.
