Tottenham Hotspur made a powerful statement in their first Premier League home game of the season, securing a dominant 4-0 victory over Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This emphatic win not only underlined the ambition and tactical prowess of Ange Postecoglou’s side but also served as a strong reminder of their intent to compete fiercely throughout the season.
Everton’s trip to North London was a challenging one, and they were outclassed by a Tottenham team that brought an intense, high-pressure game to the pitch. Despite the four-goal margin, the hosts could have added even more to their tally, demonstrating a level of performance that thoroughly suffocated Sean Dyche’s Everton.
Among the standout performances, Heung-min Son’s role as a centre-forward was particularly notable. With £65m summer signing Dominic Solanke sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in training earlier in the week, Son stepped up magnificently. Solanke had impressed with 21 goals across 42 matches for Bournemouth last season, and his absence had raised concerns about Spurs’ attacking options. However, Son’s two goals and overall display ensured that these concerns were put to rest, showcasing his ability to lead the line with both skill and composure.
Son’s first goal came in the 14th minute, where he capitalized on a mistake by Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who mishandled a back pass. Son pounced on the error and calmly slotted the ball into the net, setting the tone for the rest of the match. His second goal, which came six minutes after Cristian Romero’s header, further emphasized his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Son’s display reaffirmed his reputation as one of the Premier League’s elite forwards, capable of delivering under pressure and filling the void left by Solanke’s injury.
While Son’s contribution was crucial, the defensive solidity provided by Cristian Romero was equally impressive. Romero’s performance against Everton was a testament to his quality as a top-class defender. His 100th appearance for Spurs was marked by an assertive and commanding display that included a crucial goal. Romero’s headed strike in the 77th minute, which came from a well-delivered corner, put the finishing touch on a match that he had already dominated defensively.
Romero’s influence went beyond just his goal. His presence at the back was pivotal in thwarting Everton’s attacking efforts. His aggressive style, combined with technical prowess and physicality, made him a constant threat for Everton’s forwards. Football.london’s Alasdair Gold, who rated Romero 9/10 for his performance, praised the Argentine international’s impact. Gold noted that Romero’s performance included a volley at Pickford and a brilliant pass to James Maddison, highlighting his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
Micky van de Ven, another standout performer, was instrumental in Spurs’ defensive stability and contributed to the attack with his trademark run up the pitch. Van de Ven’s surge from his own half to the edge of Everton’s box, where he set up Son’s second goal, was a highlight of his performance. His display was characterized by composure, strength, and an ability to drive forward, which added a dynamic edge to Tottenham’s game.
| Micky van de Ven & Cristian Romero vs Everton | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Van de Ven | Romero |
| Minutes played | 90′ | 90′ |
| Goals | 0 | 1 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Touches | 74 | 118 |
| Shots | 0 | 3 |
| Accurate passes | 63/68 (93%) | 90/96 (94%) |
| Key passes | 1 | 1 |
| Long balls | 0/2 | 5/7 |
| Tackles | 0 | 6 |
| Interceptions | 2 | 0 |
| Clearances | 0 | 3 |
| Total duels won | 2/11 | 10/17 |
| Stats via Sofascore | ||
Despite the impressive individual performances, the overall team display was the real story. Tottenham’s high-intensity approach and pressing game left Everton struggling to cope. The Toffees’ defensive frailties were exposed time and again, and Spurs’ relentless pressure ensured that they could not mount a serious challenge throughout the match.
Postecoglou’s tactical approach was evident in the way Tottenham controlled the game. The team’s pressing and quick transitions were executed with precision, and their ability to capitalize on Everton’s mistakes highlighted a well-drilled unit. This performance also reflected Postecoglou’s influence on the team, with Spurs showing the kind of swagger and confidence that suggests they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
There’s a long way to go before Tottenham can achieve their seasonal objectives, but the early signs are promising. The team’s ability to deliver such a dominant performance against a Premier League opponent is indicative of their potential. If Romero continues to perform at this level, and if Son maintains his scoring form, Spurs could be well-positioned to mount a serious challenge throughout the season.
As the season progresses, Tottenham Hotspur fans will be hoping that this level of performance becomes a regular occurrence. With a mix of attacking flair and defensive solidity, Spurs are showing that they can compete with the best. Postecoglou’s vision for the team is becoming clearer with each game, and the squad’s impressive display against Everton serves as a strong foundation for what lies ahead.
