Tottenham did what was required against a resilient and resolute Everton side, with Harry Kane and Pierre Hojbjerg scoring to secure a 2-0 victory.
Spurs move up to second place in the table, just a point adrift of Arsenal ahead of their test at Leeds on Sunday. It was the kind of performance you’d expect from an Everton side that has one of the best defensive records in the top flight.
Antonio Conte will be thrilled with Yves Bissouma’s contribution after replacing Richarlison. He provided Tottenham with stability and balance, allowing Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur license to push forward.
Spurs have won 10 straight at home in all competitions, showcasing their dominance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It’s also their best start to any Premier League season.
Here are the player ratings from Tottenham’s 2-0 home triumph over the Toffees.
Defence
Hugo Lloris 6/10
Hugo Lloris didn’t face a shot on target in a peaceful day at the office. He came out spryly to cut out a dangerous cross in the 80th minute, but was otherwise untested. Everton had two golden chances to score in the first half but missed both over the bar.
Cristian Romero 8/10
Either Romero didn’t command the ball or Pierre Hojbjerg didn’t listen. Their mixup led to Everton’s best chance of the first half, which Amadou Onanu ballooned over. Otherwise, Romero didn’t put a foot wrong.
Eric Dier 8.5/10
Eric Dier was comfortable in possession, spraying the ball to teammates all over the pitch. He avoided making the kind of calamitous mistake which cost his side early in the midweek affair against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ben Davies 8.5/10
The Welshman played well throughout. He picked out one sterling cross to Harry Kane, whose resultant volley was stymied by a lightning-quick reaction save by Jordan Pickford.
Midfield
Pierre Hojbjerg 8/10
Hojbjerg took the ball from Romero at centre field without conviction, allowing Onanu through on goal. Luckily he skied over from close range, saving the duo’s blushes. Hojbjerg was solid otherwise and put the finishing touch on a tidy day’s work.
Rodrigo Bentancur 8/10
Rodrigo Bentancur played Demarai Gray, considering his blistering speed, a bit too tight on the halfway line, allowing the Everton forward to turn and run at pace toward Spurs’ goal. Like Onanu, Gray knocked it over from close range, letting Bentancur off the hook.
However, Bentancur was outstanding otherwise and set up Hojbjerg for Spurs’ second.
Ivan Perisic 8.5/10
Ivan Perisic had a few brilliant, pinpoint crosses in the first half, one in particular landing on Harry Kane’s head. He was, as always, confident, poised and productive in possession.
Matthew Doherty 8.5/10
Matthew Doherty conceded possession a few times in the first half but was instrumental in Spurs’ opening goal.
Pickford spilled Doherty’s volley, allowing Kane to snap before drawing a penalty, which the talisman made no mistake converting.
The Irishman offers Conte a superior defensive option. Doherty should play more, as he is far more stable than Emerson Royal and offers just as much, if not more, going forward.
Forwards and Subs
Son Heung-min 7/10
Sonny had a few great crosses early and got into excellent positions to score in the second half. His final touch let him down a couple of times. He knocked one over the bar and didn’t get enough purchase on a close-range header.
Harry Kane 9/10
The England captain was involved in Tottenham’s most dangerous forays. No surprise there. He struck one volley purely, was quickest to Pickford’s spilled rebound and deposited the penalty with aplomb.
He held his nerve on the spot kick, not an easy task considering he missed midweek in the Champions League.
Kane scored in his fifth straight Premier League game, the first time he’s accomplished that feat. He reached nine goals five months quicker than in the 2021-22 season.
Richarlison 6/10
The Brazilian endured a quiet, uneventful 52 minutes before hobbling off with a calf injury. He missed a clear-cut chance in the first half at the back post, heading over the bar with a frail header.
Yves Bissouma 9/10
Yves Bissouma was excellent after replacing Richarlison. He provided superb balance in the amended 3-5-2 formation, allowing Doherty, Davies, Perisic, even Romero, more opportunities to advance and find gaps. He broke up play expertly multiple times and now looks like the signing everyone thought he’d be.