A positive Everton put a negative and lacklustre Tottenham Hotspur side to the sword with a one nil victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This was a game all about new signings and it was Everton’s new players who stood out as Tottenham looked a team with little structure and little creativity.
Positive Everton Take all Three Points
James Rodriguez Shines on Everton Debut
There were plenty of new signings on show as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Matt Doherty started for Spurs and James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucouré all started for Everton.
There has been plenty of talk about Tottenham Hotspur and signing a new striker but after this game it looks like they need much more. Everton were positive and had the lions share of possession in the first half.
Poor play from Tottenham allowed Richarlison a superb chance. As he went round Hugo Lloris, however, he lacked composure to pass or shoot and in the end did neither. Warning signs were there for Tottenham and they did not react to those signs as Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed home the opening goal in the 55th minute.
It was James Rodriguez who shone with cool control on the ball, not afraid to shoot and not easy to knock off the ball. Rodriguez can be a Premier League star based on his first game in the Premier League.
Much has been made of Jose Mourinho asking his players to be tougher, using a very strong expletive. Today his players were neither good guys nor aggressive enough. It would be harsh to pick out one player for Tottenham for being poor. They were all poor. Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld, Son Heung-Min, Ben Davies. There was no creativity, no pressing of the ball. The ball was given away far too easily and at times, the players were simply walking around as Everton kept possession. There has to be an attitude change from the Tottenham players.
Tottenham Have Lost Identity
Everton deserved to win this game and showed why making good decisions in the transfer window is so important. Everton fans will feel their team can have a good season after today.
Tottenham have lost their identity. Jose Mourinho has a real problem on his hands. Every player let the manager and fans down today. They look as lethargic as they did last season. Who are Tottenham Hotspur right now? What is their style of play? Today it looked like the players struggled to know the answers.
For Everton, things look positive. For Tottenham Hotspur, even after one game, a lot has to change and quick. With a deluge of games coming up, any more performances like today and the season could be over before it has had time to lift off.
’All or Nothing.’ Today there was nothing.
Main Photo
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