Thanks to John Ellis for his report and picture from Goodison Park:-
Everton 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham drew down the curtain for the final time on their many league battles at the grand old stadium of Goodison Park.
Two late second half goals brought a degree of respectability to the scoreline but couldn't disguise an appalling first half performance. Postecoglou's first half experiment of a back three was unsurprisingly a spectacular failure. To make such a major change within a matter of days looked and proved to be an act of desperation.
With gaping holes all over the park, the only surprise was that it took until half time before Postecoglou reversed his tactical change. By the time the manager reacted, the damage was already done.
Archie Gray was put into an unfamiliar right side of a back three and had a torrid first half. It is to be hoped the experience doesn't damage his confidence.
Playing a high line with Davies, Dragusin and Gray as a back three was needless, reckless and professional negligence. Spurs were susceptible to every long ball over the top.
Everton who before today had only scored 15 goals in their 20 Premier League games could not believe their luck and tore Spurs apart. They scored three by half time and had numerous other chances to more than double their tally.
Calvert-Lewin who had opened the scoring was through with just Kinsky to beat but miscontrolled. Everton struck the woodwork; Tarkowski had a point blank header saved, and Kinsky made several other good saves.
At the other end Kulusevski laid on a great chance for Son who shot tamely into Pickford's arms and was later pushed over in the box which could have been deemed a penalty.
It was though a quite pathetic shambolic half of football which was summed up by an own goal in added time.
With the game seemingly won at half time, Moyes adopted a more pragmatic approach of game management in the second half. This is something which Spurs fail to do when two goals in front.
Calvert-Lewin missed an excellent chance in the second half to make it 4-0.
Mikey Moore came on and immediately caused problems down the left wing including setting up Spurs second goal with an excellent cross for Richarlison to steer home at the far post.
Maddison did well for Spurs opener which was beautifully finished by Kulusevski.
Other than Mikey Moore's cameo, there were some other positives with Ben Davies and Richarlison doing well on their returns from injuries. Spence, Bergvall, Kinsky and Kulusevski also played quite well.
Sarr had another dreadful game. He gave the ball away for Everton's opener and was rightly substituted.
As captain and vice captain, it was disappointing to see Son and Maddison losing the ball and continually bleating to the referee instead of showing the youngsters positive leadership characteristics which they richly deserve to see.
Spurs continue to tumble down the table and are now 15th just four places above the bottom three.
5 out of 30 points is an atrocious return and without doubt relegation form but thankfully the bottom three are also struggling to pick up points. An eight point gap feels sufficiently comfortable but should not be taken for granted.
The lack of support for the player on the ball who was often left to fend off two or three Everton players was very concerning as was the lack of movement and individual rather than team presses.
Injuries are obviously a contributory factor but Iraola is showing it is possible to be successful in such circumstances with a much cheaper squad than that assembled by Tottenham.
The fans are showing their unhappiness with the direction of the club. Daniel Levy and ENIC appear to be the primary targets but Postecoglou is also coming under ever increasing scrutiny.
Spurs away support is usually very good but today at times it was toxic. Whilst frustrations and emotions are understandably running high, the mocking of the team which contains very young players can surely only have a negative impact.
The fans demand loyalty from the players but it can only be damaging for players including stars such as Kulusevski to hear such stuff.
We have a lot of very talented young players whose advisers must be questioning whether such a toxic atmosphere is the right place for their career to be nurtured.
In December Postecoglou said it wouldn't be long before the cavalry arrives with the opening of the transfer window on 1st January. Five games have been played since the opening of the transfer window without any outfield reinforcements to date.
In all senses, it is a very sad state of affairs which the hierarchy must seek to address and very quickly.
#Coys
. Read the Spurs Odyssey report for this game.
