Everton finally put an end to the losing streak, drawing to Tottenham Hotspur 0-0
Everton dropped into the bottom half of the Premier League and needed to show resilience against Antonio Conte’s Tottenham to get back to winning ways after three successive defeats in the league.
Everton’s shape on the field looked like 4-3-3 with Allan and Andros Townsend in front of Fabian Delph while Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon operating from the flanks. The team could easily take the 4-2-3-1 shape with Townsend playing behind Richarlison making the team very fluid and mobile.
The Toffees seemed like an anonymous side against Wolves in the first half and another bland performance in front of the boisterous Goodison crowd would have serious repercussions. Thankfully, the Merseysiders started the game on a bright note, showcasing energy, drive and intent across the pitch. They looked like the better team in the first half but lacked the desired bite in the final third.
The second half was eventful with penalty shouts and tempers flaring across the pitch. Everton had reached the boiling point especially after the VAR intervention that overturned a penalty decision. It was one way traffic for a significant amount of time as Everton attacked with verve and intensity but lacked the final touch.
Everton and Spurs shared the spoils in a free flowing game but Everton will feel they had the chance to secure three points, however, the final touch was letting them down. Rafa Benitez’s men dominated the game as Spurs maintained their compact shape for the most part of the game.
Here are the Everton player ratings vs Tottenham Hotspur:
Jordan Pickford – 7
Jordan Pickford kept just one clean sheet in ten games against Spurs. He hardly had anything to do in the first half with most of the danger being soaked by the defence and the Toffees on the front foot for the most part of the first 45 minutes.
He did have to be alert and on the toes in the second half, having to collect crosses and balls. The Englishman stretched as wide as possible to get the finger tips on Lo Celso’s effort which eventually hit the post and kept the game goalless.
Michael Keane had to combat the threat of Harry Kane
Defence:
Lucas Digne – 7
Lucas Digne returned to the starting lineup after missing the game against Wolves. The Frenchman threaded a dangerous cross into the box which was the end product of a long spell of Everton possession.
Digne and Gray teamed up on the left to test Emerson and regularly got the better of the former Barcelona man. However, Digne didn’t get the desired number of deliveries in the box and the ones that reached the Spurs goal area were dealt by the visiting team backline. Late in the game, Digne did combine well to put an inviting low ball in the box but Gray skid it a few yards wide.
Michael Keane – 8
Michael Keane‘s job was to negate the threat of Harry Kane who had scored 12 goals in 13 games against the Toffees. On the attacking front, Keane had the first big chance of the game via Everton’s well-worked free kick plan but his header didn’t trouble Hugo Lloris.
Made an important block from Lucas Moura shot as Spurs looked dangerous on the counter. The Englishman made another block, making himself big in front of Kane. Keane needed a strong performance for boosting his own confidence after the recent slump.
Ben Godfrey – 7
Digne’s return to the left side of the back four meant that Godfrey was deployed in his natural centre back position as Yerry Mina still remained sidelined with injury. Covered the ground well and made some key tackles. His pace was on point as he recovered ground at breathtaking pace to keep Spurs at bay.
Seamus Coleman – 6.5
Seamus Coleman did advance high up the pitch in the first half, providing adequate support to Anthony Gordon. He and Gordon together gave a tough time to Sergio Reguilon in the first half. Coleman was decent, he didn’t do anything spectacular but was not bad either.
Fabian Delph was arguably the best player on the pitch
Midfield:
Fabian Delph – 8
Fabian Delph last started a game for Everton on 1st November 2020, returning to the starting lineup after 370 days, navigating through endless knocks, hamstring injuries and a shoulder injury that saw him swing in and out of the squad like a pendulum.
Despite not featuring regularly, Delph looked relaxed and in his own element, comfortable in possession, making accurate passes and providing solidity in front of the back four. The former Manchester City man was the heartbeat of the team in the engine room.
Delph had a stunning game and was applauded by the Goodison faithful upon substitution after an hour of football. The 31 year old had a passing accuracy of 86% while threading eight accurate long balls. The midfielder made six recoveries and three interceptions, rounding off a superb afternoon for him.
Allan – 7
With Fabian Delph sitting ahead of the back four, Allan was in a slightly more advanced role. Despite enjoying the freedom, the Brazilian hasn’t forgotten his defensive duties. With Delph getting substituted after an hour of football, Allan returned to his usual surroundings, sitting deep, guarding the Everton rearguard.
His outing didnt last long as he was brought off for fresher legs of Mason Holgate who has had experience of playing as a defensive midfielder.
Andros Townsend – 6.5
Andros Townsend looked composed in the central role, playing behind Richarlison. The former Newcastle man looked lively and created ample chances but the lack of incisiveness in the final third didn’t result in the desired outcome. He was present in the final third but just couldn’t deliver the final punch on occasions.
Richarlison won a penalty which was overturned by VAR
Attack:
Richarlison – 6
Richarlison hardly had any clear cut chances in the first half but his industrious nature meant that he contributed in one way or another. The Brazilian won a penalty which was overturned after a VAR intervention.
Richarlison looked more involved in the second half and was booked in the second half after a tussle with Christian Romero, a battle that boiled throughout the game. The former Watford attacker didn’t create the opening that would’ve sealed the three points for Everton.
Anthony Gordon – 6.5
Anthony Gordon was preferred over Alex Iwobi, adding enthusiasm and energy. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as the academy product showed verve and passion on the right flank. He didn’t create any decisive opportunities in the first half but did enough to make his presence felt. Was silent in the second half in terms of producing chances but still ran and covered the ground well.
Demarai Gray – 7
Demarai Gray was lively throughout the first half, making Emerson toil hard on the left flank. The former Leicester City man showed off his nimble feet, dancing around the Spurs box before going down and screaming for a penalty. Gray was a constant threat but navigating through the compact Spurs side proved to be an arduous task.
Substitutes:
Tom Davies – 6
Tom Davies came on for Fabian Delph on the 60th-minute mark as the midfielder replaced arguably the best Everton player of the game. Davies did win a corner late in the stoppage time by showing a lovely change of pace.
Mason Holgate – 4
Came on in the 82nd minute for Allan, providing energy and fresh legs in the middle. Holgate was robbed off the ball by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg which eventually almost resulted in a goal for Spurs as Lo Celso hit the post. Was sent off for a serious foul in the stoppage time.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin – 6
Jean-Philippe Gbamin came on for Demarai Gray after Holgate’s red card, making Rafa Benitez‘s intention clear of holding out a draw, bringing on a defensive minded player for an attacking player.
How would you rate Everton’s performance against Spurs?