Tottenham Hotspur delivered a commanding performance on Saturday afternoon, dismantling an out-of-sorts Everton to secure their first three points of the new Premier League season.
The 4-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was not only a statement of intent but also a much-needed response after a frustrating draw against Leicester City earlier in the week.
Under the guidance of new manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs came out of the blocks with intensity and purpose, eager to make amends for their previous performance. The energy and commitment were evident from the first whistle, and it didn’t take long for Tottenham to assert their dominance. Within the first half-hour, they were already 2-0 up, thanks to goals from Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min.
Bissouma, who has been thriving in his role under Postecoglou, opened the scoring with a powerful strike from just outside the box, leaving Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with no chance. The Malian midfielder’s goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as Tottenham continued to press and create chances.
Son Heung-min, the newly appointed captain, doubled Tottenham’s lead with a clinical finish that showcased his usual composure in front of goal. The South Korean star has been a talismanic figure for Spurs in recent seasons, and his leadership on the pitch was evident as he orchestrated attacks and led by example.
The contrast between Tottenham’s performance against Leicester and their display against Everton was stark. On Monday night, Spurs were criticized for their lack of ruthlessness, failing to capitalize on their chances and ultimately dropping points in a game they should have won. However, against Everton, they were a different proposition altogether, playing with a sense of urgency and confidence that had been missing earlier in the week.
One player who particularly stood out during the match was Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender, known for his incredible pace, delivered a performance that not only caught the eye of fans but also earned the admiration of his teammates. His involvement in Tottenham’s fourth goal was a testament to his athleticism and vision.
With the match already comfortably in Tottenham’s control, van de Ven picked up the ball on the edge of his own penalty area and embarked on a lung-bursting run down the pitch. Covering nearly the entire length of the field, he left Everton players in his wake before finding Son Heung-min with a perfectly weighted pass. Son, ever the composed finisher, waited for Pickford to commit before slotting the ball home from a tight angle, sealing the victory for Spurs.
After the match, Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro couldn’t hide his admiration for van de Ven’s performance. Porro took to social media to express his thoughts, commenting “What a player” on an Instagram post by Yves Bissouma that highlighted the midfielder’s contributions to the win. Porro’s praise didn’t stop there; he also jokingly urged van de Ven to “stop running” in a playful comment on the Dutchman’s own Instagram post, accompanied by a laughing emoji. It was clear that van de Ven’s incredible run and assist had left a lasting impression on his teammates.
Van de Ven’s assist was a highlight in a match full of standout moments, but Tottenham’s overall defensive solidity was equally noteworthy. Keeping a clean sheet, even against an Everton side that has struggled this season, was a significant achievement for a Tottenham team that has often been criticized for its defensive frailties. Last season, Tottenham’s inability to see out games and maintain defensive composure was a recurring issue, costing them valuable points and undermining their efforts to secure a top-four finish.
However, the arrival of Postecoglou has brought a renewed focus on defensive organization and resilience. The clean sheet against Everton was a positive sign that the new manager’s tactics are beginning to take hold, and it will undoubtedly boost the confidence of a defense that has been under scrutiny.
While it is important to acknowledge that Everton is currently a team in turmoil, the victory still marks an important step forward for Tottenham. In previous seasons, Spurs have often been guilty of underestimating struggling opponents, leading to unexpected setbacks. This time, however, they approached the game with the right mentality, showing no mercy and ensuring that they secured the win in emphatic fashion.
The performance against Everton also highlighted the growing understanding and chemistry within the squad. The connection between Bissouma and Son, as well as the interplay between van de Ven and his teammates, suggests that Postecoglou’s ideas are beginning to resonate with the players. The fluidity in attack and the discipline in defense were clear indicators that Tottenham is moving in the right direction under their new manager.
As Tottenham looks ahead to the rest of the season, the challenge will be to maintain this level of performance consistently. The Premier League is unforgiving, and there will be tougher tests to come. However, if Spurs can build on this victory and continue to develop under Postecoglou’s guidance, they have the potential to challenge for a top-four finish and possibly even silverware.
For now, though, Tottenham fans can relish the sight of their team playing with flair and confidence, something that has been in short supply in recent years. The 4-0 win over Everton was not just about the result; it was about sending a message that this Tottenham side means business. And with players like van de Ven stepping up and making significant contributions, the future looks bright for Spurs.
As the season progresses, the performances of key players like Bissouma, Son, and van de Ven will be crucial in determining how far Tottenham can go. If they continue to impress as they did against Everton, there’s every reason to believe that Spurs can enjoy a successful campaign under Postecoglou’s leadership.
