After weeks of anticipation and build, last Saturday’s season opener at home to Brighton was deflating to say the least. Sean Dyche’s side showed early signs of energy but ultimately fell to a humiliating 3-0 defeat to a far more clinical Brighton, as the final season at Goodison Park got off to a whimper. Eyebrows were raised when only 2 of Everton’s summer signings were included in the starting XI. A good showing from the young Tim Iroegbunam, who did not look out of place alongside Gueye in the middle of the park and arguably more of the same from Jack Harrison, who enters his second season on loan with the blues. Sean Dyche is working with a limited budget and seemingly an even more limited squad but safe to say his stubbornness and approach brings early criticism from a dividing fan base. Questions are already being asked, panic buttons being pushed and unfortunately life does not get any easier for the club, with a trip to the nation’s capital to face Tottenham on Saturday.
If You Know Your History… Everton v Tottenham Through the Years
The stats don’t bode well for Sean Dyche’s side heading into this weekend’s fixture. The Toffees haven’t won a league game in August in the last 3 seasons. Everton are also without a win in their last 6 meetings against Tottenham, losing 3 and drawing 3.
Last season’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat with fan favourite Richarlison scoring an early goal against his former club. Richarlison would go on to score 2 more goals when he returned to Goodison Park in February. A late equaliser from Jarred Branthwaite rescuing a point in the last meeting between the 2 sides.
Everton’s last win against Tottenham was the dramatic 5-4 FA Cup tie at Goodison Park back in February 2021. The last league win for the Toffees came in the same season, a 1-0 win in London on the opening day of the 2020/21 season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring the winner.
Team News
Everton will be without Ashley Young, who begins his suspension following his red card against Brighton. Elsewhere Dyche looks set to be without Jarred Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson and Youssef Chermitti. With Seamus Coleman, James Garner and James Tarkowski also doubts.
Ange Postecoglou could be without Pedro Porro this weekend, following a tweak to the defender’s ankle in their season opener against Leicester. Spurs will also be without Bentacur (concussion) but Richarlison is available after returning to full fitness.
What the Managers Say
Dyche on Spurs and bouncing back from Brighton – “They’ve invested heavily, they had a good season last season. We have to make sure we are progressing in both markets home and away.”
Postecoglou on Spurs’ frustrations against Leicester – “It’s one thing being dominant but you’ve got to reflect that in the end result. It’s disappointing.”
Everton Key Player
Jake O’Brien – A debut is likely incoming from the Irish international. With limited options at the back, Dyche will be left with little choice other than to give a run out to one of his summer signings. Flashes of brilliance occurred during pre-season from the towering central defender. Scoring 2 goals in his first 2 games O’Brien’s performance in both boxes will be critical to Everton’s fortunes on Saturday.
One to Watch for Tottenham:
Richarlison – Returning to full fitness, the former blue ran Everton ragged both home and away last season. Many Evertonians still have a soft spot for Richy, something manager Sean Dyche was quick to call out over the course of last season. The optimists among us will be hoping he isn’t in the squad and the dream of a return to Goodison is kept alive. The realists will feel they’ve read the script already. Whilst he hasn’t always shown it since his move away from Everton, Richarlison is a dangerous player on his day.
Final Thoughts
With only 14 senior players available for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham, Everton are fighting an uphill battle. A likely back 4 of Holgate, O’Brien, Keane & Mykolenko does not fill any supporters’ hearts with joy and delight. However, sometimes Everton are at their best when fighting against the odds and with little to lose. Expectations will be much lower this weekend compared to last Saturday and often when that is the case, they might just surprise you…
Prediction
1-0 to the hosts. I was wrong last week and I hope I am wrong this week too. I do feel that the challenge tomorrow will be too big for Everton to handle given the current crop of available players. Tottenham have depth Everton can only dream of and being away from home adds another hurdle from the Toffees to try and clear.
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