On January 19, 2025, Everton hosted Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in a Premier League clash that delivered high drama and significant implications for both teams. Everton emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, marking a pivotal moment in their season. This article shows the confirmed lineups, match progression, and key takeaways from this encounter.
Confirmed Lineups
Everton Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski (captain), Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko
Midfielders: Idrissa Gueye, Amadou Onana, Alex Iwobi
Forwards: Jack Harrison, Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
Midfielders: Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison
Forwards: Dejan Kulusevski, Heung-Min Son (captain), Richarlison
First Half: Everton’s Dominance
Everton began the match assertively, capitalizing on Tottenham’s defensive lapses. In the 12th minute, Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended his 17-match goal drought by netting the opener, showcasing his prowess as a “proper number nine.”
Shortly after, Iliman Ndiaye doubled the lead, finishing a swift counter-attack that left Tottenham’s defense scrambling. The first half’s woes for Spurs were compounded when Archie Gray inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Everton a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.
Second Half: Tottenham’s Response
In the second half, Tottenham sought to overturn the deficit. Manager Ange Postecoglou made tactical adjustments, introducing fresh legs to reinvigorate the attack. Their efforts bore fruit in the 77th minute when Dejan Kulusevski lofted a delicate left-footed finish over Pickford, reducing the arrears. Richarlison scored against his former club in stoppage time, tapping in a cross at the back post. Despite the late resurgence, Everton held firm to secure all three points.
Key Takeaways
Calvert-Lewin’s Resurgence: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return to the scoresheet is a significant boost for Everton. His performance not only ended a personal drought but also provided Everton with a focal point in attack, as highlighted by manager David Moyes.
Tottenham’s Defensive Frailties: The first-half display exposed vulnerabilities in Tottenham’s backline. Conceding three goals before the break underscores the need for defensive cohesion and resilience, areas that manager Ange Postecoglou will need to address urgently.
Everton’s Tactical Mastery: David Moyes, in his second stint with Everton, orchestrated a game plan that effectively neutralized Tottenham’s strengths. The team’s pressing and swift transitions were instrumental in building their first-half lead.
Tottenham’s Injury Woes: The absence of key players, including Dominic Solanke, limited Tottenham’s options due to a knee injury. Solanke’s unavailability added to a growing list of injured players, impacting the team’s depth and performance.
In Summary
Everton’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen under David Moyes. For Tottenham, the match serves as a wake-up call to address defensive issues and adapt to the challenges posed by injuries. As the Premier League season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, learning from their shortcomings and capitalizing on their strengths.
