Tottenham Hotspur got back on track with a resounding victory over Everton, giving fans a renewed sense of hope for the season ahead. After a week of being meme’d and bantered online following their disappointing draw at Leicester, Spurs responded in style with a commanding 4-0 win against Everton. The team clicked early, with Yves Bissouma’s spectacular strike from distance, Cristian Romero’s towering header from a corner, and Heung-Min Son’s brace rounding out a much-needed victory at home. It was a game of many highs, and for once, very few lows. Here’s what stood out most during the win.
1. The Defense Held Its Ground
One of the biggest questions heading into this match was whether Tottenham had learned from their defensive lapses in the opening game against Leicester, where they left Jamie Vardy unmarked at the back post, leading to a costly goal. The victory over Everton provided a reassuring answer: the defense had indeed taken note of their previous mistakes and responded accordingly.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were at the heart of Tottenham’s defensive efforts, locking down the backline with a combination of urgency and composure. Romero was back to his best, delivering his signature crunching yet disciplined tackles. Meanwhile, van de Ven’s recovery runs, which have already earned him the title of the fastest player in the Premier League, were on full display as he continually thwarted Everton’s attempts to break through.
Both defenders also made significant contributions on the attacking front. Romero rose highest to head in a goal from a corner, showcasing his aerial prowess, while van de Ven burst forward with a surging run to assist Son’s second goal. Everton struggled to gain a foothold in the game, and Tottenham’s defensive pair ensured they kept a clean sheet, with valuable support from Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The match marked Romero’s 100th appearance for the club, and it couldn’t have been a better performance to celebrate the milestone. The Argentine and his Dutch partner were instrumental in securing the victory, and their solid partnership is something Spurs will look to build on as the season progresses.
2. Angeball Is Back
Ange Postecoglou’s tactical approach, affectionately known as “Angeball,” was a revelation in his first season at Tottenham. Fans were eager to see how he would adapt in his second season, and one thing was clear: the high defensive line and quick-passing, possession-based football that had won the hearts of Spurs supporters were here to stay.
Postecoglou has made some subtle tweaks to his system, however. In this match, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie were given the freedom to roam high up the pitch, effectively creating a line of four strikers when Tottenham were in possession. Brennan Johnson and debutant Wilson Odobert occupied the wide positions, while Son Heung-Min played as a central striker, flanked by the advanced fullbacks. James Maddison operated as a deep-lying playmaker, orchestrating the team’s attacks from midfield, with Romero and van de Ven providing a solid base at the back. Yves Bissouma and Dejan Kulusevski took on more advanced roles in midfield, positioning themselves to receive passes and distribute quickly.
This tactical setup produced one of the team’s most impressive displays under Postecoglou’s management. The four-goal tally was the highest Tottenham had scored at home since the Australian took charge at N17. The team was relentless in their pursuit of more goals, and had they been slightly more clinical, the scoreline could have been even more emphatic. Postecoglou was understandably pleased with the performance, describing his team as “outstanding” throughout the match. He will undoubtedly be looking for more of the same in the coming weeks.
3. Wilson Odobert Impresses in His Debut
When Tottenham signed Wilson Odobert from Burnley for £25 million plus add-ons, it was widely assumed that the young French winger would be used primarily as a rotation option for the Europa League and domestic cup matches. However, to the surprise of many, Odobert was handed his first start for the club in this match, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.
Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Odobert’s dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders were a breath of fresh air for Spurs fans, who have longed for a winger with his directness. He managed a shot on goal and made a crucial sliding tackle while tracking back, demonstrating his commitment to both attacking and defensive duties. Throughout his 66-minute debut, Odobert was a constant threat, winning two corners and forcing the Everton defense to stay on high alert.
There were a few moments of inexperience, most notably a misplaced pass that nearly led to an Everton goal, but overall, Odobert’s performance was highly encouraging. The fact that he was matched up against an Everton academy player, Roman Dixon, who was deputizing for the senior fullbacks, undoubtedly helped his cause. However, his positive display has given Postecoglou something to think about as he considers his options on the left wing.
4. Son at Striker: Effective but Not a Long-Term Solution
The debate over Heung-Min Son’s best position for Tottenham has been ongoing for some time, and this latest performance is unlikely to settle the matter. With Dominic Solanke sidelined due to an ankle injury and Richarlison not fully match fit, Son was deployed as the central striker, and he once again demonstrated his knack for finding the back of the net.
Son’s pressing ability is one of the key reasons Postecoglou likes him in the No. 9 role, and it was on full display in this match. His relentless pressure on Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford forced the England international into a mistake, allowing Son to pounce and slot home Tottenham’s second goal. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement were reminiscent of his best performances in the central role.
However, Son was largely ineffective from his preferred winger position against Leicester, raising questions about where he is truly best suited to play. There is no doubt that he remains Tottenham’s most potent attacking threat, but his role in the team may need to be reconsidered once Solanke returns to full fitness. If Solanke resumes his role as the central striker, Son will likely be moved back to the left wing, but whether this will be the right call remains to be seen. It’s worth noting that Son experienced a goal drought towards the end of last season when playing in a wider role. Only time will tell if a return to the wing will benefit both him and the team.
5. No Youth Teamers… Yet
In the lead-up to the season, there was significant speculation that academy starlets Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear would be integrated into the first team after their impressive preseason performances. However, as the season has begun to unfold, it seems that their time in the spotlight may have to wait.
Moore and Lankshear have been primarily involved with the U-21 squad, and they remain some way down the seniority pecking order in the first team. With Tottenham’s squad relatively healthy at this point, Postecoglou appears to be prioritizing experience as he looks to build momentum in the early stages of the campaign. It’s important to remember that both Moore and Lankshear are still in their teens, with Moore having only recently turned 17.
While their absence from the first team may be disappointing for some fans, it’s not to say they won’t get their chances this season. Postecoglou has a track record of trusting young talent, as evidenced by Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall’s inclusion on the bench in recent matchdays. With the Europa League campaign set to begin soon, Moore and Lankshear will likely have opportunities to stake their claim for a place in the senior squad. Postecoglou has confirmed that they will be part of the first team setup and have been training with the senior players. Their debut may be just around the corner, though it will require patience from both the players and the fans.
In conclusion, Tottenham’s convincing victory over Everton was a much-needed boost after a shaky start to the season. The defensive solidity, the resurgence of Angeball, the promising debut of Wilson Odobert, and Heung-Min Son’s effectiveness as a striker all contributed to a performance that has reignited optimism among Spurs supporters. While questions remain—particularly regarding Son’s best position and the integration of young talent—this win has set a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
