Can Everton FC finally break Tottenham’s Premier League curse? With eight consecutive defeats against their North London rivals, the Toffees are eager to rewrite history and end a dismal sequence that’s been a thorn in their side for far too long.
Tottenham, known for their attacking flair, will be put to the test against Everton’s formidable lineup, which boasts some of the league’s top defenders and midfielders. The Blues’ potent combination of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, and Alex Iwobi has been a nightmare for opposition teams, while their solid backline, led by the experienced Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, has conceded just 20 goals in 19 league matches.
The challenge ahead for Tottenham is no easy feat, given the strength of Everton’s lineup, which is likely to feature the likes of Jordan Pickford in goal, Allan and Doucoure in midfield, and James Garner on the wings. Can Spurs’ high-powered attack, led by the likes of Richarlison’s counterpart Harry Kane, find a way to unlock the Toffees’ defense and break their nine-match unbeaten run? The stage is set for an enticing showdown between these two Premier League heavyweights.
The Truth About Sean Dyche's Tactical Revolution at Everton: What it Means for Tottenham

Tottenham Face Tough Test Against Everton’s Formidable Lineup
After a string of impressive performances under Sean Dyche, Everton has become a team to watch in the Premier League. Dyche’s tactical revolution has transformed the Merseyside club, making them a formidable opponent for any team, including Tottenham. I recommend paying close attention to Everton’s lineup and tactics in their upcoming match against Spurs.
Key Matchups
- Jordan Ayew vs. Cristian Romero: Ayew’s pace and agility will be a challenge for Romero, who will need to be at the top of his game to deal with the Everton striker.
- Dwight McNeil vs. Pedro Porro: McNeil’s goal-scoring record will be put to the test against Porro, who has been impressive in his defensive duties for Tottenham.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs. Davinson Sanchez: This matchup will be a battle between the two strikers, with Calvert-Lewin looking to replicate his impressive form against Sanchez.
Tactical Comparison
| Team | Formation | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | 4-3-3 | Jordan Ayew, Dwight McNeil, Dominic Calvert-Lewin |
| Tottenham | 4-2-3-1 | Harry Kane, Richarlison, Cristian Romero |
Key Stats
- Everton’s average possession percentage under Dyche: 54.2%
- Tottenham’s average possession percentage: 52.5%
- Everton’s average goals scored per game: 1.4
- Tottenham’s average goals conceded per game: 1.1
Dyche’s tactics have focused on a more direct approach, with a strong emphasis on set pieces and quick counter-attacks. Everton’s midfield trio of Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil, and Idrissa Gueye has been instrumental in breaking down opposition defenses. Tottenham will need to be equally effective in breaking down Everton’s defense if they are to come away with a win.
Despite the challenges ahead, I believe Tottenham can take advantage of Everton’s weakness in defending against crosses. With Richarlison’s pace and agility on the counter-attack, Spurs may be able to catch the Everton defense off guard. However, it will be a tough test for the visitors, and they will need to be at the top of their game to come away with a win.
5 Ways to Break Down Everton's Dominant Midfield: A Tactical Guide for Spurs

To break down Everton’s dominant midfield, I recommend a multi-faceted approach, utilising both defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Defensive Pivots: Neutralise Allan and Doucouré
In Everton’s midfield, Allan and Doucouré form a formidable duo, controlling the tempo with their ability to win the ball back and dictate the flow of play. To counter this, I suggest Tottenham deploy a defensive pivot in midfield, consisting of Oliver Skipp and Yves Bissouma. This partnership brings a balance of defensive prowess and tenacious tackling, allowing them to neutralise Allan and Doucouré’s influence.
| Midfielder | Tackles per game (Season) |
|---|---|
| Allan | 2.5 |
| Doucouré | 2.2 |
| Yves Bissouma | 2.1 |
| Oliver Skipp | 1.9 |
Targeting Iwobi and Gray
While Everton’s midfield is strong, their wingers, Iwobi and Gray, often find space to operate, providing a creative outlet for their midfielders. Tottenham can target these areas by employing a high-pressing game, forcing Iwobi and Gray to make quick decisions and potentially losing possession.
| Player | Aerial duels won (Season) |
|---|---|
| Iwobi | 1.8 |
| Gray | 1.6 |
Exploiting the Flanks
Everton’s midfield is often focused on the central area, giving Tottenham opportunities to exploit the flanks. I recommend using wingers such as Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski to hug the touchline, using their pace and agility to beat their markers and deliver crosses into the box.
| Player | Assists per game (Season) |
|---|---|
| Richarlison | 0.3 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | 0.2 |
Using Long Balls to bypass
Everton’s midfield often adopts a high defensive line, allowing Tottenham’s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, to utilise long balls to bypass their midfield and find Harry Kane in the box.
| Player | Long passes (Season) |
|---|---|
| Hugo Lloris | 20.5 |
| Harry Kane | 10.2 |
Pressing in Transition
Everton’s midfield is often vulnerable in transition, as they struggle to cope with quick counter-attacks. Tottenham can exploit this by pressing high up the pitch, forcing Everton’s midfielders to make rash decisions and potentially losing possession.
By employing these tactics, Tottenham can break down Everton’s dominant midfield and gain a foothold in the match.
Why Everton's Formidable Defensive Unit Will Prove a Challenge for Tottenham's Attack

Tottenham will face a daunting task as they take on a formidable Everton defensive unit, boasting one of the best defensive records in the league. I recommend keeping a close eye on the key statistics that have made Everton’s defence so impenetrable.
Defensive Statistics:
| Team | Conceded Goals per Game | Clean Sheets | Shots on Target Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | 0.67 | 13 | 4.44 |
| League Average | 1.08 | 8 | 5.67 |
Their impressive defensive display has earned them 13 clean sheets this season, with an average of just 0.67 goals conceded per game. These statistics are a testament to the cohesion and organisation within the squad.
Everton’s defence has been marshalled by the experienced duo of Richarlison and Pickford, who have formed a formidable partnership at the back. Their experience and leadership have been instrumental in Everton’s defensive solidity.
Everton’s Defensive Lineup:
- Jordan Pickford (GK)
- Seamus Coleman (RB)
- Michael Keane (CB)
- Yerry Mina (CB)
- Lucas Digne (LB)
- Abdoulaye Doucoure (DM)
- Allan (DM)
- James Rodriguez (RM)
- Dwight McNeil (LM)
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST)
The Everton defensive unit has been solidifying their position at the top of the league, and Tottenham will need to be at their best to breach this formidable wall. With their impressive defensive statistics and experienced lineup, Everton’s challenge is set to be a stiff one for Tottenham’s attack.
The X Factor in Everton's Lineup: Uncovering the Hidden Gems That Could Haunt Tottenham

Everton’s lineup is showing promising signs, and I recommend paying close attention to the hidden gems that could potentially haunt Tottenham. The Toffees have been steadily improving, and their recent form suggests they could cause trouble for the Spurs.
Key Statistics:
- Everton have won 4 of their last 6 matches
- They have scored an average of 2.5 goals per match over the same period
- The team has kept 3 clean sheets in their last 5 matches
At the core of Everton’s recent success lies their formidable lineup. One of the standout players has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored 8 goals in his last 10 appearances for the club. His pace and skill on the wing make him a force to be reckoned with.
Key Players:
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Striker)
- Richarlison (Winger)
- Gylfi Sigurðsson (Midfielder)
Another key player who has been making waves in the Everton lineup is Richarlison. The Brazilian winger has been providing crucial assists and scoring important goals for the team. His partnership with Calvert-Lewin up front is becoming increasingly potent.
Tactical Overview:
- Everton’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows for flexibility and creativity on the pitch
- The midfield duo of Allan and Doucouré provides a solid foundation for the team’s attack
- The full-backs, Coleman and Digne, offer width and attacking flair
The Everton lineup is undoubtedly one to watch, and Tottenham will need to be at their best to take down the Toffees. With the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison leading the charge, it’s clear that Everton are a team to be reckoned with.
How to Neutralise the Threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison: Tottenham's Key to Victory

To neutralise the threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, Tottenham’s key to victory lies in adopting a carefully considered strategy that nullifies their attacking prowess. Here are a few practical insights:
Defensive Positioning:
To effectively counter their pacey duo, I recommend employing a high defensive line with three centre-backs, as seen in this possible lineup:
- Hugo Lloris (GK)
- Ben Davies (LB)
- Cristian Romero (CB)
- Eric Dier (CB)
- Cristian Stellini (CB)
- Emerson Royal (RB)
This setup allows Tottenham to press high up the pitch, limiting Everton’s time on the ball and forcing their attacking players to make quick decisions under pressure.
Pressing and Interception:
Pressing high up the pitch can be an effective way to disrupt Everton’s attacking rhythm. Tottenham should focus on intercepting passes in central areas, as Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison often rely on short passes to create space.
Here are some key statistics to illustrate the importance of pressing and interception:
| Everton | Tottenham | |
|---|---|---|
| Passes intercepted per game | 11.3 | 14.1 |
| Pressing success rate | 62.5% | 65.4% |
By matching Everton’s pressing success rate, Tottenham can nullify their attacking momentum and create more defensive opportunities.
Defending against their Counter-Attacks:
Everton’s pacey duo can be deadly on the counter-attack, and Tottenham must be prepared to defend against their quick transitions. Here are some possible defensive strategies to consider:
- Switching between a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2: Tottenham can switch between a four-man backline and a more defensive formation to counter Everton’s pacey counter-attacks.
- Using a double pivot: Players like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Ivan Perišić can form a double pivot in midfield, providing additional defensive cover and protection for Tottenham’s backline.
By employing these strategies, Tottenham can neutralise the threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, and ultimately emerge victorious against a formidable Everton lineup.
As the highly anticipated matchup between Tottenham and Everton approaches, it’s clear that both teams are gearing up for an intense battle. Tottenham will be facing a formidable lineup led by Everton’s skilled players, making it a tough test for their squad. The match will undoubtedly push Tottenham’s defensive and attacking strategies to their limits, and only time will tell who will emerge victorious. In the face of such a formidable opponent, it’s crucial for Tottenham to capitalize on their strengths and employ a well-crafted game plan to counter Everton’s aggressive style of play. Will Tottenham’s determination and teamwork be enough to overcome the challenge, or will Everton’s solid lineup leave them struggling to keep up? One thing is certain: this match will be an exciting display of football, and fans are in for a thrilling spectacle.



