Everton and Tottenham Hotspur played an exciting 1-1 draw at Goodison Park earlier this afternoon and there were plenty of things to reflect upon for both sides. While the hosts were bolstered by the appointment of Ronald Koeman in the summer, Tottenham have the glittering prospect of Champions League football and a young squad eager to go a step further in their pursuit of success in England’s top flight.
The first half of today’s contest saw Everton play a sparkling brand of football. Ross Barkley opened the scoring with a free kick that evaded a host of blue and white shirts in the box and ultimately dumbfounded keeper Hugo Lloris. At the stroke of half time, they had an opportunity to double their advantage when Gerard Deulofeu was played through but substitute keeper Michel Vorm denied him with an important block.
Tottenham equalised through Erik Lamela fourteen minutes into the second half and dominated the rest of the game. However, they were unable to find a way past the excellent Marteen Stekelenberg and were made to settle for a point.
Here’s how Pochettino’s men fared in Merseyside today:
Hugo Lloris (6/10):
The France international was unable to keep Barkley’s free kick out of danger but ended up making a decent save from a Kevin Mirallas strike moments later. A hamstring problem ended his game prematurely though and he was forced to give way for Michel Vorm.
Kyle Walker (8/10):
The English fullback took off from where he left last season with another solid display. With bags of pace, a host of important interventions and an assist to his name, Walker showed both his defensive and offensive qualities rather impressively yet again.
Toby Alderweield (7/10):
Having formed a strong partnership with fellow countryman Jan Vertonghen, Alderweireld looked assured at the back for the majority of the game. He did find Gerard Deulofeu a tricky opponent though and was outdone for pace on a couple of occasions.
Jan Vertonghen (7/10):
Vertonghen has been the bedrock of Tottenham’s defence for a while now although he too found Deulofeu too hot to handle at times. That aside, the Belgian made some crucial blocks in the first half and put on a commanding display in the second.
Danny Rose (7/10):
Keeping the overall defensive outlook strong, Rose was no different to his partners. His forward bursts became problematic for young defender Mason Holgate and his crosses yielded a couple of half chances.
Victor Wanyama (7/10):
Having signed for Tottenham from Southampton in the summer, Wanyama was deemed a valuable addition to the squad by Pochettino. The midfield battle with Gareth Barry and James McCarthy was a successful one for the Kenyan although he was reprimanded for a few clumsy challenges by referee Martin Atkinson.
Eric Dier (7/10):
Dier put on a good performance and was Tottenham’s go-to man during a short spell of Evertonian dominance in the second half. He was sacrificed before the hour mark though as Pochettino decided to reshuffle his lineup by adding Vincent Janssen to the fray.
Erik Lamela (8/10):
Most of Tottenham’s best work in the second half came down the flanks and Erik Lamela was instrumental in fostering it. The Argentinian grabbed the equaliser too by directing Kyle Walker’s pinpoint cross past Stekelenberg.
Christian Eriksen (7/10):
The Danish playmaker was not at his lordly best but managed to create some good chances from wide positions. He also had a free kick brush the roof of the net and tested the goalkeeper with a strike from distance in the first half.
Dele Alli (6/10):
Following a breakthrough season at Tottenham under the guidance of Pochettino, Alli became an overnight star in the Premier League. He did not enjoy a prolific outing at Goodison Park today though and that was exemplified when he blazed a cut back from Vincent Janssen into the stands.
Harry Kane (6/10):
Like Alli, Kane was off his game today. He appeared to drop deeper than expected and picked up the ball in positions far away from goal, thereby rendering himself ineffective.
Michel Vorm (7/10):
The Dutch goalkeeper did not make too many appearances last season but was brought on in the 34th minute for the injured Hugo Lloris. He made a good save from a Gerard Deulofeu attempt late into the first half and looked comfortable with the ball at his feet. His distribution was accurate as well.
Vincent Janssen (7/10):
Janssen was the Dutch league’s best young player last season and made a positive impact on his debut, despite missing a glorious chance towards the closing stages of the game. His pace and strength made him a tough opponent for Ramiro Funes Mori and Phil Jagielka.