After three games without a win, the White Hart Lane crowd were desperate for a first victory of the season but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.
Eriksen’s injury has provided a conundrum for Mauricio Pochettino. We don’t have another player with the subtly of pass or the ability to seamlessly link defence and attack. Against Leicester the manager tried Erik Lamela but the Argentine disappointed in a drab draw. Here he went with Ryan Mason.
The young midfielder has usually featured in a more withdrawn role for the first team but his lack of experience in that position has often shown him up. He has a history of playing much further forward in our youth set-up and I think that role is more suited to him. He lacks the finesse of Eriksen but he’s very positive in his passing and makes some excellent forward runs as evidenced in this game.
In defensive midfield Pochettino partnered Dier and Bentaleb. I thought Dier had an excellent game, making timely tackles in the open field and having the discipline to shield the defence. When he was first thrown into midfield in pre-season I was very dubious but he has grown into the role. It’s looking less and less likely we’ll buy an experienced holding player before the deadline, so let’s hope he keeps improving.
Against Leicester we struggled to make chances. Here that wasn’t the problem – Spurs outshot Everton 20 to 8. The issue was finishing those opportunities. Our lack of potency up front was our downfall. At least Pochettino has attempted to address this, with new signings Clinton N’JIe and Son Heung-min waiting in the wings. I can’t wait to see what they can do. With four games already gone, it’s just a shame Levy has left it so late to complete the deals.
The Sky commentary team were making a big deal of Harry Kane’s “goal drought” – a whole three games before this match. The media seem to have already decided that this year’s Kane narrative is “difficult second season”. If there is any truth to the contention, the main factor has been a lack of support for the striker. He’s had to drop deep and play provider on many occasions.
There was one big chance and perhaps he was more hesitant than he would have been last year. Put clean through by a great pass from Nacer Chadli, he found himself with only Howard to beat. The ball got slightly stuck under his feet but the keeper did well to not dive early and stopped a reasonable effort with his legs.
I still remain unconvinced by Dembele as a wide forward. Ironically the one time he used his undoubted talents where it hurt the opposition, he injured himself and had to go off. A great shimmy to beat the defender almost presented Kane with a chance in the penalty area but that was the last we saw of him.
Dele Alli came on in his place and looked much more lively. Like Mason he makes good runs and gets into dangerous areas. One such occasion saw him almost break the deadlock but he blazed over after an Everton mistake had gifted him the chance.
The defence looked much better this week. We don’t seem to have the same problems with players getting in behind us we had last term. Maybe that’s because of Alderwiereld, or even Dier’s more solid presence in midfield. There was one scary moment near the end as we allowed Oviedo to get a cross in, Kone glancing just wide. It was similar to the way we conceded the second goal at Stoke.
It was great to have Rose back who showed admirable pace and commitment. Walker made an early mistake to let Everton in but was otherwise functional. I couldn’t help thinking this could have been the game for Trippier. With Everton missing Leighton Baines at left back there was an opportunity to attack them out wide and get some crosses in, something the new arrival from Burnley thrives on.
Tim Howard was Everton’s best player, which shows Spurs’ dominance. It was unfortunate we couldn’t find a way through. Overall this was a much more positive performance than the bore draw against Leicester. We still have no win but with the two exciting new signings to come in I have renewed hope for the season.
Should Spurs have won this game? Do you think we need to add some more players before the deadline? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Discuss it with me on Twitter: @ABPSpurs
Anything But Penalties 
We are showing signs of cohesion and consistency, which is what Poch has been preaching, so that is good!
But.. we still desperately need another striker, and unless our penny-pinching chairman plays a blinder in the next 48hrs then Poch is gonna have to make do with HK as our only proven striker or we’ll have to learn who to play a false-9!!!
Our passing and movement did look a lot better.
I suppose as any number 9 would be coming just as a backup to Kane so it’s probably a hard sell.
Spurs lack punch up front. Our shooting is not sharp enough.. We must learn to be more clinical in our finish. When are we going to have that new striker to make a difference to our game? Why wait till the last moment to get one?
exactly.. its very poor management on Levy’s part.
Is it because he does not want to spend the money? Yet, we have spent so much of that Bale’s money on several players who have under performed.
I think it’s a bid harsh to blame Levy. It is not his fault that West Brom wants to sell Berahino for more than $25mil (he is not worth that amount) and how all the strikers we were reportedly going after did not make Spurs their first choice or is not 100% fit (Austin and Rodriguez last season).
Speaking of being clinical, I just wish Chadli and Mason had their shooting boots on. I don’t expect Mason to score regularly, but if only Chadli could spend more time working on his shooting, he would be amazing.
Mason in particular has been disappointing at finishing chances off. He scored so many at youth level too.
We always leave it late and that’s my big complaint with our transfer strategy.
Disappointing result but encouraging display.
Good to see Jan performing to the level he should have been. Last week’s game was a shocker for him.
Can’t wait to see N’Jie and Son tearing it up on the wings. I know a lot of people are disappointed about the International break, but i think it will do our team some good.
Finally, I really hope that Poch trusts Trippier more. Walker played decently, but man that guy makes too many mistakes. Rose and him are complete opposite – Rose is getting better and better with time whereas Walker is stagnating and even getting worse.
Jan was very good. The run where he decided to take on the whole Everton team on his own and almost scored was fantastic.
I can’t wait to see how Trippier will do and this did seem the game for him.
All things considered thought it was a decent performance which would have been turned into a excellent one if Spurs could have(should have) taken just one of their chances.With the new signings we can only get better (can’t we?) I think Son looks useful.
Can’t understand why Trippier hasn’t been tried as Walker is far from perfect. A lot ot dangerous crosses and free kicks have come from Walkers side and it can’t be coincidence.
Really impressed with Dier and he’s still improving.
Totally agree with your points, especially about Dier.
Yes, Walker is a bit of a problem. He is prone to making errors. Shall we see new faces like Trippier and the new signings in our next match. They could make
a difference..
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