Football React | Everton 0 - 3 Tottenham Hotspur

A fantastic performance from Tottenham Hotspur

They became the first away team to win at Everton’s new stadium following a commanding 3-0 victory.

Author | Greg S

Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium

Spurs asserted control early on, with captain Micky van de Ven twice capitalising on set pieces in the first half. Everton struggled to respond, and Pape Matar Sarr sealed a convincing victory with a second-half header, set up by former Toffees striker Richarlison.

Frank's tactical tweaks made the difference

Following a lacklustre Champions League display against Monaco, where Tottenham managed only two attempts on target, Ange Postecoglou turned to Randal Kolo Muani to lead the line in place of former Everton striker Richarlison. The summer arrival struggled to impose himself and was replaced by Richarlison after an hour, although Spurs ultimately did not require a major impact from their forward line.

Instead, it was centre-back Micky van de Ven who provided the decisive attacking threat. The opener stemmed from a smartly executed corner, with Rodrigo Bentancur guiding a header back across goal for the unmarked Van de Ven to convert. Standing in as captain for the suspended Cristian Romero, he doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, beating Jordan Pickford in the air to steer in a second. His defensive work was equally commanding, forming a resolute partnership with Kevin Danso to repel the barrage of 34 crosses Everton delivered into the box.

Spurs fans delighted after getting back to winning ways

Andrew: Even though we are now high up in the league, I just can't get excited about this team or its manager. Frank seems content to let the opposition control the game, playing all the attacking football while we sit back, passing sideways and backwards when in possession, hoping to score from a set piece at some point.

Frances: Much improved performance. The defence is solid and central midfield is excellent. Sarr appears to have a good eye for goal when playing forward. As Frank says, it is about building layers, and we need to get the four forwards working with pace. I enjoyed the game.

Anthony: Not our strongest performance, and the scoreline is a bit flattering, but a win is a win. We need to pass the ball more effectively and at a quicker tempo. We played too slowly and lost possession too often.

Maggie: Credit to Frank for attempting something at least slightly different in attack. I am not sure if I liked it or not, but it was a welcome change compared with what we have seen in recent games.

Ethan: Despite the criticisms we sometimes make of Vicario’s passing and his occasional struggles at corners, he is an outstanding shot-stopper. His reflex save to deny Beto’s overhead kick was remarkable, and he produced several other fine stops during the match. He has had quite a week.