Premier League preview: Everton vs Tottenham
This one’s a bit of a conundrum. There’s an obvious argument that Sean Dyche can make home advantage tell. Particularly against a Spurs side that have just parted ways with the man supposed to make them serious title contenders.
Instead, in the end Antonio Conte could scarcely have been more scathing about his players. The Italian is out now, with his former assistant Christian Stellini taking over until the end of the season.
Everton have improved since Dyche’s arrival, winning three of their four home games under the former Burnley coach. The Toffees are unbeaten in their last three league games too, holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw before the international break.
It all sounds promising for the hosts. But I wonder if the sheer relief the Spurs players may feel with Conte’s exit can help the visitors to a winning performance at Goodison Park.
After Aston Villa dismissed Steven Gerrard earlier this season, the Villans won their next game against Brentford 4-0 – that was before Unai Emery came aboard, too.
I’m not saying this could be a repeat of that scoreline. But with spirits potentially raised amongst the players, Tottenham may at least give a decent account of themselves.
Of course, Dyche has proved his side are not there for the taking. But Spurs are hardly irredeemable, whatever Conte’s complaints. The north London side are fifth in the Prem, one point off the top four.
The visitors have the personnel to trouble Everton, and the motivation to show Conte he was wrong. Everton haven’t scored a goal in the last three meetings between these sides either; Spurs won two of those, but had to settle for a goalless draw at Goodison last season.
And if we’re concerned about matters off the pitch, Everton have their own woes. This weekend, there were stories in the press that the club’s very existence could be in doubt if the side were to be relegated at the end of the season. The side are currently 18th in the table.
Tottenham are 57/50 to win against a side that still struggle for goals, and are still without the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Spurs are also unbeaten in their last nine visits to this ground. The visitors may well be able to take all three points here – while making a point of their own against their former manager.
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