Tottenham are enduring a difficult period, highlighted by their loss to Arsenal and the ongoing struggles with inconsistency. Ange now faces mounting pressure, with his position at the club hanging by a thread. The team’s extensive injury crisis has forced him to experiment with a formation he had never used before, further complicating their struggles.
The Australian tactician aimed to replicate the form his team showed in league competitions, where they secured victories over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and Tamworth in the FA Cup. Facing Everton, who sit just below them in the table, he hoped for a similar outcome. However, the game unfolded differently, straying far from his plans.
From the first half itself, it was clear that Spurs were destined for a heavy defeat, with mistakes and errors evident all over the pitch. The defenders struggled to contain the opposition effectively, while the attackers failed to convert their chances.
Archie Gray, deployed as the sole protector on the right side due the alien 3-4-3 practised which moved Porro in the midfield, endured a tough outing as Calvert-Lewin completely outclassed him with clever trickery, causing the youngster to stumble and concede the first goal. From that point on, Everton dominated, with N’Diaye executing a smart step-over to bypass Dragusin and slot the ball past Kinsky in the 30th minute. The game was sealed with a third goal, making it an even worse day for Gray, who was unfortunate enough to score an own goal.
Tottenham improved significantly in the second half, creating numerous chances almost every minute. However, the team struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. Kulusevski provided a moment of quality with a clever chip over Everton’s defenders to score a consolation goal. Richarlison then later tapped in home a great ball from Mikey Moore but it came far too late to spark a comeback.
Here is how we think Tottenham players fared in the match against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday.
Tottenham Starting XI
Antonín Kinský: 6/10
Made a few decent saves but conceded three goals, including an own goal. Failed to showcase his usual confidence as the modern sweeper-keeper.
Archie Gray: 3/10
Struggled throughout the match, particularly against Calvert-Lewin, who consistently outclassed him. Alien position for the youngster made even worse by the own goal.
Radu Dragusin: 4/10
Looked out of position on multiple occasions and failed to effectively contain Everton’s forwards. His poor marking contributed to the second goal. Subbed on early due injury speculations
Ben Davies: 5/10
Tried to keep the defence organised but was unable to cope with Everton’s attacking intensity. Gave away unnecessary fouls and lacked presence in crucial moments.
Djed Spence: 6/10
Offered some attacking intent down the left but was inconsistent defensively. Failed to stop crosses from Everton’s right flank and often left gaps at the back.
Lucas Bergvall: 5/10
Showed some energy in the midfield but lacked composure, especially in retaining possession.
Pape Matar Sarr: 5/10
Had a decent first half, making some key interceptions, but faded as the game progressed. Was subbed on for Moore who provided an assist
Pedro Porro: 5/10
Attempted to contribute both defensively and offensively but was inconsistent. Delivered a few decent crosses but struggled to deal with Everton’s wide players.
Dejan Kulusevski: 7/10
The standout performer for Spurs, Kulusevski was involved in most of Tottenham’s attacking play and scored a consolation goal with a clever finish. Showed good effort and creativity but lacked support.
Heung-min Son: 6/10
Created a few chances and forced Everton’s goalkeeper into action, but his finishing let him down. Was not the best night for the South Korean.
James Maddison: 6/10
Tried to control play but was often crowded out by Everton’s midfield. Took a couple of speculative shots but lacked the cutting edge to break down the opposition.
Substitutes
Richarlison: 6/10
Came on as a substitute and scored a decisive tap in but to no avail, missed ample chances
Mikey Moore: 6/10
Injected some fresh legs and had one decent attempt blocked. Managed an assist later on thanks to a sublime cross
