Everton turned in a magnificent display to stun Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane 1-0; behind impressive debuts for their trio of new signings James Rodriguez; Allan & Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The performance was almost too good to be true; as Everton played a confident possession game to bamboozle Jose Mourinho's men; showing quality & verve all over the park to usher in a new era for Carlo Ancelotti & the Toffee-men.
Everton should maybe have taken the lead in the first half; when Richarlison did brilliantly to latch onto a loose ball from Ben Davies; before rounding the 'keeper and unfortunately losing his balance just as he was about to shoot from an acute angle. It may be argued Spurs did have their chances as well; with Dele Alli and then Matt Doherty brilliantly denied by the in-form Jordan Pickford.
In the 55th minute; Lucas Digne's brilliant fee-kick was headed home expertly by Dominic Calvert-Lewin; who rose above the lackadaisical Spurs backline to put Everton in front. With that lead; Everton raised the confidence even more; steamrollering the opposition at times; who seemed strangely subdued and unable to create the necessary chances to find a way back in this match.
The central midfield duo of Harry Winks & Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg seemed too similar and defensive in nature; lacking the creativity to create chances; Dele Alli was moving to all the wrong places; and there was a general dis-link throughout the entire team that failed to generate chemistry & create chances.
For Everton; Allan was brilliant in the defensive midfield role; Doucoure did a marvelous interception on Lucas Moura; and James Rodriguez was breathtaking in his first touch and passing; spreading the play beautifully on numerous occasions. It was a committed and confident performance from this new breed of Everton; and the signs are looking good for the season.
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