It’s hard to know what to expect of Everton going into their next match away at Tottenham.
Many supporters were brought crashing down to earth after an uninspiring 2-1 defeat against Manchester United last week.
The Toffees will be keen to bounce back and show that latest performance was just an off-day.
But they are facing a side that have only lost once at home since February and have made themselves particularly difficult to beat under Antonio Conte.
A big improvement needed
Everton never got going against the Red Devils and were probably lucky not to lose by more.
They will be looking to produce a much-improved display in North London with what is likely to be a very similar line-up.
Yet another setback for Yerry Mina in midweek means he is unavailable, whilst Mason Holgate is potentially in contention to strengthen the Blues’ limited options at right-back.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Garner both had decent flashes off the bench against United and will therefore be hoping to break into the starting XI to face Spurs.
One to watch – James Tarkowski
James Tarkowski was undoubtedly the coolest character wearing an Everton shirt on the pitch last week.
While everyone in blue around him was constantly making the wrong decisions, the former Burnley man retained his composure and was probably the main reason his side didn’t lose by a bigger margin.
It was potentially his most impressive performance for the Toffees since signing on a free in the summer and he will be hoping for similar against Tottenham.
He will be crucial in keeping Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son quiet as well as someone Evertonians will need no introduction to.
One to watch – Richarlison
It seems almost written in the stars that Richarlison will find the net against Everton.
He has already made an impact in North London, scoring several goals and winning over supporters with his relentless work ethic, just as he did with the Goodison faithful.
He is undoubtedly one of the most popular players the club have had in recent years but in this match, he is the enemy and it will be up to the Everton defence to try and keep him quiet.
Final thoughts
Tottenham are a well-oiled side with a lot of star quality within their ranks.
Everton fans will be loath to recall the last time they made the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Antonio Conte’s side flattened them 5-0.
Frank Lampard got the tactics wrong that day as Kane and Son ruthlessly exploited a high line made up of Seamus Coleman, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Jonjoe Kenny.
It is imperative he gets it right this time around if Everton are to avoid a second defeat in a row.
About The Author
Leave a Reply