Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

I really like Mina; however, Everton just cannot depend on him to be fit. Yet, if he plays for his country, he never misses a game.

If rumour is true Inter want him in January sell him not worth the headache and save 𧴜k/week

Watched Rio and Worf talk about playing with “niggles” every game on Sunday. Absolutely true. This twat gets injured clipping his toenails. Get rid and we move on.

He'll go nowhere in January, because no one will match his wages, and go free in the summer.

Serial (LMF?) sicknote in 'yet another injury' shocker!

Bin, asap.

Basically what Rio said on Sunday. If you can't commit, then fuck off.

So predictable, so what's the real under lying issue with Minas fitness?

As many have said on this thread and previous threads, you can5 build a team with players with such poor fitness and recovery levels.

Hopefully the last of such players at Everton.

On a serious note, the transfer policy of this club needs to focus on robustness the amount of sicknotes we buy is incredible

Gomes – the French are surprised how slow he is even, in their league. He must be running in slow motion. We've had some shockers at our club, no wonder we nearly got relegated…

I think we all know the answer to that one!

But think about it, if we have put a "non-playing wage" contract terms in the first place, the players that we want might have signed for another club. Back to demand and supply. How desperate the club wants a player. Think about what Mbappe got into his contract with PSG.

Also, will a player be worried about getting injured and pull out from 50-50 challenge?

Walsh and Brands were mere window-dressing, obviously, and deliberately so.

Hopefully Lampard and Thelwell can gain enough purchase in whatever the crazed minds of Moshiri and Kenwright are to at last feasibly get us into the top half of the league, but I ain't holding my breath this season, or next.

We are still shite as trophy contenders – period – with those tossers in charge.

At the least the Daily Mail hasn't yet claimed he'll miss the World Cup because of injury like they did Luis Díaz the other day... I'm sure they'll manage to limp to a TV together somewhere.

Welcome back, mate. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He's a big, heavy lad, good in the air but all that impact doesn't do much good for the knees, ankles, hips etc. I just wonder if the modern game is too much for him?

He may be a sick note, I don't know I've never met him so can't comment on his character but, as a 6ft-4in fellow myself, after a lifetime of playing rugby then football since my mid-30s, my knees are shot with virtually no cartilage; my hips are on the way out, and if there was a way I could get a bionic metatarsal I'd get it. And I was just an enthusiastic amateur not competing in the hurly burly of the Premier League.

Why? Because FIFA compensates the employing club the players' wages when they are off for the 6 weeks in Qatar.

I think the point Brian is making is that Colombia didn't qualify for the World Cup

He'll leave next summer on a free.

He's my biggest disappointment in the current squad.

But then again, I'm on the outside (a ways outside!) looking in and don't have a bloody clue as to what's actually happening. I don't know the extent of his injury, or his attitude, with respect to the club.

Still disappointed, though.

He's frequently injured. It's a career-long problem. He's either wildly unlucky or, more likely, he's just not built for this game. He's heavy on his feet and runs at a gallop like a giraffe, and that's not a formula for durability.

But anybody accusing him of not giving a shit or lacking commitment can piss up a rope as far as I'm concerned.

I'm worried about tomorrow. When our defence had Man Utd forwards running at it last week, we looked at a loss (for the first time this season). You can triple that threat with Spurs.

Let's hope we have gathered ourselves and, in particular, our concentration. The continuing absence of a potent attack is, of course, a problem.

Perhaps a Spurs off-day and 1-0 to us.

Lampard and Thelwell seem more savvy in recruitment and won't buy players with an injury-prone record – unlike their predecessors.

Tough game tomorrow but think we can frustrate Spurs because they will try to hit us on the break and we will be doing the same!

A better performance than last weekend would be a plus.

Obviously the 1995 FA Cup Semi-final is the biggest but in league terms, wow, it's a horrid record I believe.

Was there not a period, certainly within the last 20 years, that we won two or three seasons on the run down at "The Lane"?

Or am I having one of my moments?

For me, it's 4-4 2; Lyndon's team but replace McNeil with Doucouré.

The semi-final referred to.

That 2 -1 victory and Neville Southall save that effectively clinched the title despite the National media desire for Tottenham to take it.

Here's to victory this weekend.

For a difficult away game it is probably best to cede possession and play without the ball. Personally, I would play Gueye, Onana and Garner as a central 3 and play Iwobi and Gray or Gordon in the half spaces behind the striker.

Hopefully the striker is Calvert-Lewin.

And, on other posts, quite why being injured gets translated into not giving a shit, I don't know. Especially with Mina and Calvert-Lewin who always play very much as though they give a shit. Did Bracewell not give a shit? Ferguson? And since we're playing Spurs, Ledley King?

I know some believe that we can only get beat because we are rubbish not because the opposition is simply better but that is nonsense. I'm being positive but I'd say 2-0 down, a draw would be amazing.

No team can compete in the Premier League if they keep losing the ball – no matter how much team effort is put into performances. There is not one single Everton player who does not give the ball away cheaply.

But all good teams have players who don't do things. That's the gap Everton have to bridge with better players.

The media loves them for some reason. I can't stand the dirty gormless get up-front who gets every decision going. It will be the same tomorrow.

We're usually diabolical on Saturday evenings and they always somehow have a blinder against us (see some of the silly goals they've scored), so I'm not holding out much hope but I'll take a battling point all day long.

Conte will set them out 5-3-2 so we'll get the ball but we have to use it better than that shite against Man Utd. Everton aren't we?

Yerry Mina is on a stonking 𧴰k a week, to play 20 mins every 4 months. Carlo was fortunate to get so many games out of him.

Yes I think you are right about Mina, he definitely gives a shit — about money. If he was a statue, he'd be priceless because I think he's made of a very rare porcelain China.

Yes, you are right, between 2006 to 2008 under Moyes, we'd waited 21 years for a win at Spurs; then like buses, you get a trio all at once.

I think we've only won about 9 of the last 50 league games against them or something nuts like that.

As for tomorrow's match, we will have a very different team compared with the one we fielded on that horrible Monday night in March. Only two of Lyndon's predicted eleven started that night; Pickford and Coleman.

That Seamus is only in the side owing to the injury to Patterson serves to emphasise the dramatic change in personnel we have seen over the past 6 months. Without that, we would have been contemplating another humiliating defeat tomorrow.

Whatever happens tomorrow I don't expect our new team to capitulate in the way they did last season.

That said, we can be surprised and, at least, we are better organised and committed. A draw would be terrific even if we bore the pants off everyone in achieving it.

Next up: the remedy club. I'm sure we'll do our damnedest to oblige. Be delighted with a point but think that's wishful thinking.

Do you mean the Drag Reduction System?
Mina has been nothing but a drag on the system!!

I believe that all Premier League players are guaranteed their full contractual pay for 18 months, whether they're fit or not.

Lyndon's predicted line-up is probably the one Lampard will go with but I'd select Garner ahead of McNeil. Not much point in having two wingers with no one in the middle to aim at and Garner would strengthen the midfield.

They are lethal on the break with Son, Richarlison, and Kane all good finishers – something we just don't have.

A boring 0-0 or 0-1 would be a great achievement and is not beyond us.

Robert #34, remember Gordon is suspended. I expect Doucoure in midfield and your idea of Iwobi and Gray behind Maupay.

Eddie #51, Mina had a history of foot fractures -- in fact, he was sidelined by one when we signed him -- and hamstring issues. His foot was the biggest concern, and it has held up fine, but the leg muscle problems have just kept coming.

I see him as having had, marginally, a little more impact at L4 than Danny Williamson or John Oster did.

So for me he can take his bloody long levers and do one.

Different side, different mentality this weekend.

A ball hasn't been kicked yet and when the first one is, there are 90 minutes to get a result.

Okay, it's an Everton match. There will likely be 96 which becomes 98 with some agonising additional seconds on top of that to see if they can snatch a result.

We can do them. Come on Everton.

We can get something from this.

I would have Onana play in that defensive role and then bring in Garner and Doucouré to pay with Iwobi. I would also start with Gray and Maupay and have Calvert-Lewin get at least 30 minutes of game time.

I don't think there is a lot of goals in this line-up but I think we would be very difficult to beat. So my hope is for a draw given our recent performances.

I also like the look of Iwobi in the front 3, replacing Maupay. Doucouré then drops into the midfield 3.

If we can keep them frustrated, waste time, and just piss them off, then I feel we can get something. This game for me will be physical with a probability of a red card.

I can't really take to Spurs, they have won fuck-all but insist on sitting in the top seats; I can't understand why... and I remember them getting relegated.

Actually, they are shit.

COYB

"Frank, is this the same team that played against Man Utd?

"I vil remind you of a saying that vas attributed to me.

"Ve cannot solve our problems vit the same thinking ve used ven ve created them.

"Now Frank, keep that in mind before the Spurs game, please. Don't be a silly Tvat!!!"

Frank hopefully remembers some of his success at setting up in 4-5-1 and opening up late. This is what we should do after the disappointment last week; keep it simple and minimize mistakes until we know Gana can be depended on for a simple pass out of danger.

Spurs are not a well-balanced team but, if we cede possession, we've got to find a way to keep Iwobi dangerous. Maybe Frank experiments again with him at right-wingback and McNeil in front of him but I would obviously discourage the 3-5-2 and I'm not sure I'd want Keane or Holgate in the lineup against Spurs' front line.

It's not like Spurs have found form, they just have a solid squad of experienced footballers in a largely dictated system of Conte's. If we can keep Kulusevic from getting in stride, the remaining forwards have trouble setting each other up.

We can get in the way enough to force them to commit and then, if Gana can just get rid of the ball, we may get some chances on the break.

Somewhat glad Gordon isn't playing since his form was fading. UTFT and fuck Spurs!

Oh yeah, and fuck Spurs again!

I also like the idea of playing Garner in there and using Iwobi in a more attacking role when we have the ball; 4-5-1 defensive shape when we don't.

They've got a bigger stadium than us now.

Bigger club?

No chance.

I also endorse the shout for James Garner in midfield, at the expense of Iwobi, and push him (Iwobi) just in front of the midfield, I think that could possibly work. I say 'possibly' because, if it isn't tried, how can we ever know?

A lot of course will hinge on who we have up front too; has Calvert-Lewin kept fit enough to carry on after a brief and welcome appearance against Man Utd? I would be tempted to start with Maupay who can worry defences with his potential threat, where he is like a worker bee up front and capable of nicking a goal.

Then, depending on the situation, bring Calvert-Lewinon to either partner Maupay, or replace him.

As has been mentioned, as if we needed reminding, we have historically, not done particularly well against these, either home or away. Maybe we need that to change, starting tomorrow.

Kieran @ 17, Thanks mate.

COYB 💙💙💙

It may be quite a few years since our last League Championship win but, as it stands, we are still the fourth most successful club in England with nine League Championships. Spurs are somewhere near the bottom!!

Unfortunately, they are a big club; I'm sure they've won more trophies than us.

Spurs have won all their home games in different competitions so maybe they are due to drop some points and maybe, if we apply ourselves a lot better than last week, we could surprise them with a win.

We could really have a go, like the night Joseph Yobo wanted to come off early with a leg injury, Alan Stubbs told him to try and run the injury off, Joseph did and we won 3-1.

Imagine telling Mina to run an injury off, no bleedin' chance, he's had nine different types of injuries since he joined us – he missed one game with a bruise!!

To me, this means, alphabetically: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Man City and Man Utd.

Spurs are not in the list of big clubs; Villa and Everton are.

* Strangely, when typing that list of clubs, the only one the word-check software of TW doesn't "like" is Everton!

Edit: And now I look to check and find Sunderland are a big club by my measure....

For how good he is, that guy gets little attention, considering his importance in their attack. Or for how good he is in general.

I see why we went in for him when he was leaving Southampton.

Anyway, it's him I'd want to take out of the game.

That season-opener back when we beat Tottenham 1-0 at their (small club) ground, and made Højbjerg look like a mistake purchase by Spurs.

Could do with some of that tomorrow.

Everton really have to get it together in midfield for this game, no errors and a 100% improvement in pass completion.

Anyway, I think our current centre-bck pairing will mean he'd not missed too much.

I think we may actually get something out of this game (but then again I have just had a glass of red).

Pip Neville also pulled out that line being flattered to be linked with a "big club" when Redkanpp offered about 5 quid for him.

But they are not and never have been "big" by any measure: trophies, attendance, world renown. They are like a slightly better version of Southampton.

And certainly not Danny McGrain.

Re Ferguson, he just missed games through red and yellow cards.

I started watching football at the beginning of the sixties when Spurs v Everton was by a distance the biggest domestic game in the calendar, closely followed by Everton v Burnley. In those days, they were the big clubs, our neighbours weren't even considered. As for Man Utd and Arsenal they weren't in the conversation, languishing in mid-table or below.

In the perception of the modern generation, proper football only started in 1992. Inevitably the majority of the Sky-driven media is focused on recent history and the Premier League in particular. Mindful of that, the reason Spurs are considered ‘big' is nothing to do with a count of trophies from a bygone age and everything to do with recent Premier League positioning.

I suggest the reason Spurs are described in the media as a Big 6 club is they have finished in the Top 6 in 12 of the last 13 seasons. For the current media and the younger generation starting to follow the game, that is all that counts. Unfortunately.

"Imagine telling Mina to run an injury off, no bleedin' chance, he's had nine different types of injuries since he joined us, he missed one game with a bruise!!"

And, it wasn't in his wallet! 🤔😜💙

I agree with the logic and rational observations of your post.

We as a club however, are much older than Sky and the Premier League - and those '60s fixtures against Spurs... and, as an Everton supporter, I reserve the right to use and quote the longer-term measures and history that will always trump later assessments and viewpoints. :-)

Just like his pay cheque, eh?

Your comment would suggest that the fan-favourite vehicle for injury-prone players – the oft-cited "pay as you play" contract – is just as rare, or indeed a canard?

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/246782/Owen-Hargreaves-on-a-pay-as-you-play-deal

https://www.inbrief.co.uk/football-law/pay-as-you-play/

Wilshere was rumored to have discussed such a deal also last year.

I haven't really looked at the labor market aspects of this but the present transfer market conditions would seem to imply that the club is best served by assuming the risk. Their best move is to ensure proper training prevents and good scouting avoids the players troubled by injury. Perhaps that is a first move problem that could be lessened by a coalition that introduced 'injury contracts'.

If we can keep up the work rate a chance or two will come for us, and the eternal deluded optimist in me says we grab a win in the later part of the game.

I think Lyndon's suggested team is about right.

Only Everton would rely on Maupay and Rondon when their #1 striker is injured. Calvert-Lewin may never get back to the level he was before the injury or even play again. To wait and expect him to recover and be the same as he was is about as wise as waiting for Santa to drop Haaland into Finch Farm ready to sign for us.

Even if Calvert-Lewin is in shape, he needs a proper shrink to build his confidence back up again and it takes time. My guess is he won't make it and so we will be in trouble. Cue another panic buy in January (maybe Adams from Saints, but hey, his middle name is Everton, he must be good).

But about the Saturday game:

The only way to handle Spurs now is to defend deep and try to counter when we can. It won't be easy and it surely won't be good football. Last time, Frank tried aggressive pressing; it worked well for 10 minutes and they scored 5.

The Man Utd game was hopefully our worst game of the season, let's hope it stays that way. We won at Spurs 2 years ago. We can get something from the game if the team thinks they can do it. In the last game, they seemed like not really giving a fuck.

Luckily Gordon will be out because, right now, he just can't make the right decisions. Another Ross Barkley, I'm afraid.

For what it's worth, I strongly suspect they are very very rare in today's Premier League.

No, I don't still believe in the Tooth Fairy, but it was all that was left, in Pandora's Box (HOPE). 👍💙😜

I can't see how they're practical anyway. If you train all week but don't plan,y then you go home empty-handed? Or if you say you're fit and training and the coach says in his opinion you're not fit enough, then do you not get paid?

Who would be the arbiter of fit or unfit and is training work? In which case presumably unless you're a slave you're entitled to a wage even if you train poorly?

Their majestic team of the early 60s were the first Double winners and their fine Captain, Danny Blanchflower, gave us the very best quote about the meaning of football.

They have tried to maintain a tradition of stylish football since and have not infrequently achieved it.

They are like us because they have a genius for disappointment. We must pray that they live up to that tomorrow.

If you're going that route, didn't we win the Zenith Data Cup?

Also, I remember in about 1990 there was an indoor six-a-side thing on TV; we had Southall and Sharp in our team. I can't remember who else as I was shocked we let Sharp play. Anyway, I think we won.

Then there was the MLS Cup and various Charity Shields. But if you look at the one thing that matters – the league – we are miles ahead.

God, a win tomorrow would be wonderful. You can sense things moving into place for us but we must exercise patience like the monks.

I know, mate, we are all other nuts or Dalai Lamas.

Last week, Pickford came upfield and nearly scored from a corner. So I would suggest this team to start the game:

Begovic; Lyndon's back 4; Davies, Gana, Onana; Gray, Pickford, Iwobi.

2nd half: Pickford; same back 4; Garner, Moupay, Iwobi (still subs to bring on).

Madness? Perhaps so, but if we are going to lose, let's try and put Spurs off their game.

Many years ago, when I coached a successful club team, my excellent left winger asked if he could have a go at centre-back. We were well on top of the league. so I gave him his wish. He was brilliant! By the end of the season, he was team captain and regular centre-back for Canterbury the following season. Even had trials for New Zealand's National Team.

Some talk of last season's humiliating defeat. I am an old, old Evertonian and still remember our getting hammered by Spurs 10-4!! I hate that Club and would love us to thrash them. The best I can honestly hope for though is a 1-1 draw and In Frank I Trust.

I met a load of them at a recent wedding and they are a properly deluded bunch.

I think we simply need to stop signing injury-prone players in the hope that somehow a miracle will happen and they will be fit with us.

Although we have been really unfortunate with some horrible injuries that basically meant that the players were never the same – Oviedo, McCarthy, Coleman, Gomes and Gbamin spring to mind.

Nursing Calvert-Lewin back is obviously a sound ploy, but one wonders just how delicate he is and when will he be up to playing a series of hard games?

As ever, we will put out a hard-working and committed team, but there isn't a lot of creativity here and we'll be hoping to nick something on the break or from a set-piece.

Fingers crossed and all that, but not that optimistic.
COYB.

But he must start gambling and get to the near and back post to meet Demarai's tailored crosses. So many of these chances missed last and this season.

Spurs are, on their day, a slick passing team often on the counter, so Everton must be switched on. It will be interesting if Everton keep a deeper line to minimise the pace of Spurs.

Praying for a result and, whilst Spurs are doing well, they (like any team in this League) can have an off-day, like Everton did on Sunday.

Garner could start and I think he has it all in his locker. including distance shooting; let's see.

Everton to upset the media pundits today.

The commitment has to be better than against Man Utd, and please, please, make subs earlier if it is apparent Plan A, isn't working. If we do happen to get an early goal and lead, don't sit back on it and try to defend it, go for more, or at least stop Spurs getting anything. Frustrate them, they are at home after all, let them make the mistakes.

COYB 💙💙 (2-1 to us)

You can read about the origins of the name "Hotspur", here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Percy_(Hotspur). It existed long before the football team or the comic - LOL.

It is now an integral part of the name of the North London football club – but it is only like us demanding to be known as Everton – School of Science. instead of just Everton.

This is why we are all posters on a forum and not football managers.

You are suggesting starting Tom Davies who has probably had one good game for Everton in around 50 appearances.

I hope my eyes have deceived me on what I'm about to say. You said, start Pickford up front. So you want to start a goalkeeper up front because he came up for some late corners against Man Utd? I think you are in a La-la land, my friend.

I mean, that's footy manager stuff – not the Premier League. It was bad enough all those years ago when we were playing Steve Watson up front but now you suggest Pickford? Crazy!!

"Madness? Perhaps so, but if we are going to lose, let's try and put Spurs off their game."

Your Pickford suggestion would probably work initially but after the Spurs players stopped laughing... then what?

Andy C, I remember sitting in the lower Gwladys St reet stand against Crewe, in a tepid FA Cup match, and Kevin Campbell was desperately trying to stay on after getting injured. This kid who was about 15 was having a laugh and shouting, but he suddenly said, "Fair play to Campbell, though, Duncan Ferguson would have been off the pitch and down the tunnel by now!"

Not knocking Duncan, because when he had the fire in his belly he had the heart of a lion, but I thought that kid was right. I smiled and thought, you can't kid everyone at Goodison, no matter who you are.

I love it when I'm surrounded by people who don't miss a trick, although the argument will still remain if it's true that kid was correct, because Duncan has always been an idol to many.

Strap yourselves in. We'll be sat deep and nick one, but it's not going to be pretty.

Leaving aside Calvert-Lewin, the rest of the forwards and midfield don't score many goals, and the worry with Calvert-Lewin is Lampard still reckons he hasn't joined in all the training sessions despite coming on against Man Utd.

The atmosphere that Lampard has created amongst the playing staff and the fans is great and, despite last season with little or nothing to cheer, the support of our wonderful fans created a terrific atmosphere.

But they do need something to cheer and quite often most of our attacks fail well before reaching the opponent's box. Lampard has to alter that, and quickly; otherwise, we will be back in the same position as last season.

I think we have to start Dom. Bring him off at half-time if necessary. Get the ball up to him, get him winning headers and get Gray and McNeil alongside him, running onto the flicks and having some shots.

It's a tough one cos part of me thinks we should go 5 at the back but the other part thinks sod it, if we are going to get beat we might as well have a go. Up to Frank though isn't it.

I've got it down as a loss, so the way I look at it anything we get will be bonus.

I'm obviously hoping to be suprised.

People think Spurs are blessed with pace but, as good as Kane and Richarlison are, they are neither hard to catch. I think it might be a good game; draw for me.

In terms of attack, it will be a question of getting bodies around Calvert-Lewin who hopefully is now ready to start.

One option might be to play Maupay right alongside him and go long. That's unsettling for Spurs' back 3 to deal with and avoids being caught in a press and counter-attack, our undoing against Man Utd.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see us match their back 3 / 5. In which case, we can go 5-3-2 and forego our wingers altogether.

Love the 'genius for disappointment' line!

I suppose 'Spursy' and 'Everton that' are what we have in common!!

Yes, we are coming off another home loss and need to bounce back but we are still a work in progress and need new players, particularly on offense.

That may not happen until the New Year.

Spurs are doing well and have Son, Richarlison and Kane which is scary enough, so the defense needs to be in top form.

Other than that, the ''forwards'' need to nickel and dime their way in the hope of pinching a goal, maybe just another set-piece.

Three points please Everton.

Spurs are light in midfield, according to my Spurs mates, and we need to have the numbers there to win the midfield battle. They have been winning without playing well in many games, it's high time the jammy dodgers' luck ran out.

2-1 to the Blues, Calvert-Lewin to come on for the last 15 mins and get the winner with a trademark header.

Our wingers are not producing enough end product, but conversely if DCL starts that may change too, they'll have a bit more sense of purpose of what they need to do. At the moment, offensively it's all a bit disconnected. From the sounds of it, it looks like another cameo is on the cards.

I wouldn't be surprised today to see Garner start in a 4312 formation and Iwobi instructed to attack from advanced midfield supporting Gray and Maupay.

If DCL not ready ;

>>>>>>>>>>>>Pickford

Coleman Tarkowski Coady Mykolenko

>>>>>>>Onana Gana Garner

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Iwobi

>>>>>>>>>>Gray Maupay

In Kane and Son and a few of the supporting cast, they have finishers who can feast on half-chances so parking the bus is as risky as it ever is.

I can't see us actually being able to dominate them in any department in particular so is there any chance we can simply get the balance right and keep shepherding them down blind alleys, whilst having enough of a threat on the break to make them nervous enough to knock them out of their stride?

I had more optimism last week but we were far too accommodating then. Hopefully the players were woken up by that performance and will be inspired.

Never really disliked Spurs until throughout the Moyes era it became obvious that many in the media linked them much more as supposed equals to the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea despite us pretty consistently finishing as the ‘best of the rest'. Without Pochettino, I think they'd still be plucky triers at best.

They are generally much stronger as an attacking force these days but their defence can still be wishy-washy. Hopefully our attackers all have a collective stormer. UTFT!

But seriously, I would like to see Garner or Davies in place of Gordon in a 4-4-2:

Pickford
Coleman Coady Tarkowski Mykolenko
Garner Gueye Onana Iwobi
Gray Maupay

With Calvert-Lewin, Doucoure coming on to trouble their back line in the final stages.

Sounds like a Baldrick cunning plan but it would certainly surprise Conte.

Nice to see Ben Godfrey back kicking a ball and being individually taken through his paces.

I liked the small game in a tight pitch session. Three teams; so two on one. All about possession in tight spaces and working hard with pressing to get the ball back when possession was lost.

I also liked the togetherness and how they were training with a smile on their faces. Let's hope they take that into this afternoon.

Puts var to shame.

Transparency and accountability and officials who, although I don't doubt get right every time, have a decent understanding of the rules and aren't scared to talk about their decisions.

How the VAR should be used as opposed as being another screen to hide behind.

The VAR isn't the problem. It should actually help. The obvious problem remans. The standard of officials. Be they on the pitch or in the coffee area at Stockley Park having a chat amongst themselves.

Over the last 10 years, Spurs have prioritised goals and Everton have not. Lukaku was a one-off. Spurs mentality has changed.