Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly found their groove again. With two wins from their last two games, they’ll be looking to make it three on the trot against a bang-in-form Everton side, who look to be all but safe from relegation, despite a 10-point deduction. Here’s how we expect the match to go:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton Tactical Preview: Contrasting Styles Clash in Winter Battle
Watch: How Tottenham and Postecoglou replaced Harry Kane
Midfielders Key to Result for Toffees
You’d be forgiven if you forgot that Everton were deducted 10 points earlier this season. The mood around the club hasn’t dampened since then, and if anything, it has brought fans, players, and staff closer together than ever before. This togetherness is reflected in their on-field form, as it has been a December to remember for the Toffees. They have won all four of their Premier League games for the month, all without conceding a goal!
This miraculous run has included famous wins over big-money Newcastle and Chelsea and, more significantly, wins over lower-table opposition in Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
Beto’s first goal for the team, which finished off a 29-pass move to win the game against Newcastle, served as evidence that not only the results but also the performances have been outstanding. In truth, there has been more to Everton this season than a typical Sean Dyche team, which is stereotypically known for defending with a low block, smashing it long, and hoping for the best from set pieces.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Toffees’ tactics this season has been their pressing, namely their counter-pressing. In Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison, Dyche has two energetic wide attackers who are excellent at pressing and forcing turnovers in dangerous positions. McNeil in particular has been in fine form and is probably playing the best football of his career.
Read More: Best 11 Players that Spurs Missed Out On
This isn’t to say that Dyche has drastically deviated from his known tactics, as Everton are third in the league for long balls out the back, usually headed down by Dominic Calvert-Lewin for an on-coming Abdoulaye Doucouré who is enjoying his new advanced role.
Both wingers and Doucouré have been well supported by Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana who have been industrious and effective in the centre of the park, with Onana having a good case for being the Toffees’ player of the season thus far.
Can Ange Postecoglou End Sean Dyche’s Streak?
On paper, there could not be more contrasting managers than Postecoglou and Dyche. The Aussie, known for his patient buildup, attacking play out from the back, and the Englishman representing ‘old school’ British football.
Spurs are finding their footing in the league after a stuttering period, and they are playing some breath-taking football despite being without notable players.
Read More: Three player Spurs should sign in January
Their expansive style of play will be put to the test against a well-drilled Everton defence that has yet to concede a goal for the month of December. One man that will be key to a Lilywhite win is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who is expected to come in for the suspended Yves Bissouma. This may actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as the Dane’s physicality is well suited to this opposition. Dejan Kulusevski is also expected to play a vital role in the middle of the park where he has shone since being moved there in the absence of James Maddison.
This will either be a tight, one-goal affair or an explosive classic for the ages. In reality, Spurs can captialise on tired legs as Everton played in the league cup midweek and can come away with a 1-0 win.
