Everton 3-2 Tottenham: Player Ratings and Review
Everton stunned Tottenham Hotspur with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Goodison Park, a result that leaves Spurs' top-four hopes hanging by a thread. This match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring stunning goals, defensive lapses, and ultimately, a deserved victory for the Toffees. Let's delve into the player ratings and a comprehensive review of the game.
Everton Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper:
- Jordan Pickford (8/10): Pickford was undoubtedly Everton's man of the match. His commanding presence in the box and several crucial saves, particularly in the second half, prevented Tottenham from equalizing or even taking the lead. A truly outstanding performance showcasing his world-class abilities.
Defenders:
- James Tarkowski (7/10): Tarkowski was a rock at the back, winning numerous aerial duels and making timely interceptions. While not flawless, his overall contribution was vital to Everton's defensive resilience.
- Michael Keane (6/10): Keane had a solid game, offering support to Tarkowski. He wasn't as dominant as his defensive partner but performed his duties adequately. A few nervy moments, but nothing too detrimental.
- Vitalii Mykolenko (7/10): Mykolenko provided attacking impetus down the left flank and delivered some dangerous crosses. Defensively, he was largely solid, neutralizing Son Heung-min's threat for large portions of the match.
- Seamus Coleman (6.5/10): Coleman put in a workmanlike performance, showing his experience and leadership. He offered defensive solidity and contributed to Everton's counter-attacking threat.
Midfielders:
- Idrissa Gueye (7.5/10): Gueye was a tireless presence in midfield, winning back possession and disrupting Tottenham's rhythm. His tenacity and tactical awareness were key to Evertonโs success.
- Amadou Onana (8/10): Onana was immense in midfield, dictating the tempo of the game with his powerful running and accurate passing. His box-to-box displays were crucial in both attack and defense.
- Alex Iwobi (7/10): Iwobi played a key role in linking midfield and attack, providing creativity and incisive passes. His work rate was exceptional.
Forwards:
- Dwight McNeil (7.5/10): McNeil's performance was pivotal. His tireless runs and delivery from wide areas caused Tottenham problems throughout the game. His assist for one of the goals was a testament to his attacking prowess.
- Demarai Gray (8/10): Gray's pace and direct running were a constant threat. His goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his individual talent. A truly impactful performance.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (7/10): Calvert-Lewin led the line effectively, holding the ball up and creating space for his teammates. While he didn't score, his contribution was invaluable.
Tottenham Player Ratings:
Goalkeeper:
- Fraser Forster (5/10): Forster could have done better with at least one of the goals conceded. While he made some saves, his overall performance was unconvincing.
Defenders:
- Cristian Romero (5/10): Romero had a difficult afternoon, struggling to contain Everton's attacking threat, particularly down the flanks.
- Eric Dier (5.5/10): Dier's performance was a mixed bag. He made some important clearances but was also caught out of position on occasions.
- Ben Davies (5/10): Davies struggled to contain the pace and trickery of Evertonโs wingers. A disappointing display.
- Pedro Porro (6/10): Porro offered attacking threat from right back but defensively he was vulnerable at times.
Midfielders:
- Pierre-Emile Hรธjbjerg (6/10): Hรธjbjerg fought hard but couldnโt quite impose himself on the game as he usually does.
- Oliver Skipp (6/10): Skipp worked tirelessly but lacked the creativity to unlock the Everton defense consistently.
- Yves Bissouma (6.5/10): Bissouma had some bright moments with his passing and dribbling, but wasn't able to maintain consistency.
Forwards:
- Harry Kane (7/10): Kane scored a fantastic goal, showcasing his clinical finishing. However, he lacked the service to truly dominate the game.
- Heung-Min Son (5/10): Son had a quiet game by his high standards, failing to make a significant impact.
- Dejan Kulusevski (6/10): Kulusevski showed glimpses of his talent, but lacked the end product to make a real difference.
Match Review:
The match was a testament to Everton's fighting spirit and tactical nous. Their high press disrupted Tottenham's rhythm, forcing errors and creating opportunities. While Tottenham showed flashes of brilliance, their defensive frailties were exposed, ultimately leading to their downfall. Everton's counter-attacking prowess proved decisive, with their clinical finishing sealing a memorable victory. The result highlights the unpredictability of the Premier League and raises questions about Tottenham's top-four ambitions. The performance from both sides certainly made for a compelling encounter, providing plenty of talking points for fans and pundits alike.