Tottenham slog way to 3 big points against Everton

Tottenham did the job in the second half and got three big points to a win

Tottenham were not crisp but started the brighter of the two sides and were rewarded for their effort with a gritty own goal and a 1-0 lead in the first half. In the second half, while it was far from a Jose Mourinho masterclass, it was obvious from the opening moments, Tottenham were set up to hold the lead, not increase it, and prove to themselves they can keep a clean sheet against a decent side. So, what were the big elements that led to the win?

Return of Alderweireld

Davinson Sanchez has not played poorly at center-half, but the reality is Toby Alderweireld brings something different to the pitch in terms of intensity and tactics. Alderweireld reminded folks early of one of his greatest strengths with a nice diagonal attempt to Son on six minutes that the South Korean flicked into Jordan Pickford’s gut.

While none of Toby’s efforts ultimately led to a goal, the treat of his long diagonal was real and helps to stretch the defense. Defensively he was solid and shows that pace is not everything as he and Eric Dier helped hold Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in check, who are both known for their speed and quickness. For good measure, the Belgian picked up a late card for time-wasting and was joined by his fellow countryman Jan Vertonghen for extra time as Jose moved to essentially a back 5. It was good to see Alderweireld back on the pitch and even better to see the clean sheet.

Spurs Skipper Steers Ship

With continued defensive lapses leading to goals, it seemed like a superhuman effort was going to be needed from Spurs Captain Hugo Lloris in goal to get a clean sheet. Ultimately, a super-human effort was not needed but Spurs skipper did more than make the 3 saves he was given credit for as he got on teammate Heung-Min Son late in the first half.

I am not sure how it went down in England, but much was made on NBCSports of the little shouting match between Hugo Lloris and Heung-Min Son. Essentially, Lloris thought Son did not give maximum effort toward the end of the half, whether it was going for the ball or tracking back does not matter, what matters was the desire being shown by the French keeper.

I was critical of Spurs effort in their last match with Sheffield and while this game was not great it was better and the fact that Lloris jumped on his teammate for what he perceived as a lack of effort was encouraging to me. If Tottenham are to remain in any European competition next year, it is going to take maximum effort for 90 PLUS minutes every night. A captain and teammates that demand that level of effort can help make it happen.

Kane’s Contributions

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The announcers on NBCSports for quite critical of Harry Kane’s performance, even making a point that he had the least touches of the ball at one time in the second half.

Add on the fact that I was kind of critical of that performance from Sheffield and maybe one might this wasn’t a great performance, but the reality is Harry Kane did his jobless the goals – regardless of the number of touches he got.

To be a complete striker – like he is capable – Harry Kane needs to pressure the ball, provide some hold-up play, and create opportunities with his movement.

Despite only 38 touches, Kane really did that today. I should note Lucas Moura also only had 38 touches and played 3 fewer passes, took 1 less shot and completed 20% less of those 19 passes, but was credited with an excellent match. All about perspective.

On this day, Kane’s job was to apply some pressure, which he did, not great, but enough. Additionally, his hold-up play was excellent. From the first touch of the game, he had where he was fouled, to a nice bit of outlet play for the defense at 5 minutes when he held the ball and actually played it backwards to Ben Davies to both release the pressure and maintain possession.

Even though he did not score, and Harry Kane did not receive an assist for it, it was his blocked shot that fell to Giovani Lo Celso and led to a Spur’s goal. While not the best effort we have seen from the English Captain, as the defense behind him, Harry Kane did his job on the day and Spurs left with three points.

Midfield is Key

The real change for Spurs between the two halves centered around the midfield and not with the personnel being deployed, but rather with their shape. In the first half, Mourinho seemed to prefer a single holding midfielder, Harry Winks, which allowed Giovani Lo Celso to push further up the pitch and gave Moussa Sissoko free rein to run all over and be Moussa Sissoko.

The freedom both players enjoyed buoyed with the space to spread the ball around for Winks seemed to be working for Tottenham. Sure, it took over 20 minutes to get a shot on goal, but the ball was finding some dangerous places and that is step one for success offensively.

In the second half, Mourinho flipped the triangle moving Moussa Sissoko back in line next Harry Winks providing two players for cover in front of the back four. Whereas Sissoko had free reign in the first half, he was more assignment oriented in the second. Likewise, whereas Lo Celso had more support and immediate cover in the first half, in the second he was more on an island trying to connect the back six with the front four – himself included in the front. Finally, where Harry Winks had some space and then some outlets in the first half, both were essentially gone in the second.

Ultimately things worked out for Spurs as they kept the clean sheet and walked away with three points. However, it is clear the team has more opportunities to attack if only one player sits in front of the backline versus two.

What were your observations from the match?