Premier League #4: Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 0 Everton
Everton played out a stolid defensive draw in their green third kit for today's trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, leaving the hosts still looking for their first win and their first goal in this season's Premier League.
No Merlin Rohl in the squad, David Moyes names for this one with Ainsley Maitland-Niles getting his full debut at right-back.
First Half
Everton kicked off with Pickford hoofing it forward for Van de Ven to head. Good early possession was spoilt by George losing the ball. Despite having the ball, most of the play was in Everton's half, Savio unable to get past Mykolenko.
Armstrong was a little too robust in the tackle, despite getting a toenail on the ball. A clever ball from Robertson found Van Hecke ghosting around but he drove the half-volley over Pickford and the goal.
Another strong Spurs attack saw Everton rocking as the ball pinged around the Everton area, Branthwaite with a tremendous tackle. Marmoush tried but failed to force his way past Branthwaite.
George was again robbed in midfield and another Spurs attack needed to be repelled. For the third time, George surrendered an easy ball. Savio again caused chaos. Fernandes was easily played through but the Everton defence closed him down well.
Johnson was robbed on the other wing but he recovered with a great sliding tackle.
It was the 15th minute before Everton got forward and Mykolenko won a corner. Garner with a decent delivery, but this time Maitland-Niles was well off target with his shot when the ball was cleared out to him.
Savio again got forward but Mykolenko baulked him very well, Garner getting fouled. But the long ball forward from Pickford went wastefully through to Kinsky. A poor foul by Gray saw him injured after his hit on Armstrong, which finally relieved the huge Spurs pressure.
Everton tried a concerted build and there was aerial chaos in the Spurs area but no decent chance was created. Everton kept up the pressure, Mykolenko forcing another corner, but nothing came of it.
Spurs built more slowly; Savio eventually blocked well and George coming away with the ball. A brilliant ball by Tonali looked to have been controlled well by Gray but Garner was there to poke it behind. The corner was punched out toward Fernandes but he sliced his shot badly.
Dewsbury-Hall tried to get George going but his tricks let him down again. But the solid Everton block stopped Spurs getting forward until Savio got around Mykolenko. Dewsbury-Hall released George down the left but he delayed the cross a fraction, the ball crossing the goal line. A cross from Maitland-Niles on the right sailed beyond the far post.
A lot more space in the middle for Spurs saw Robertson get forward, well away from Maitland-Niles, but he could not beat Pickford. Mykolenko looked to have stolen the ball but then lost it and a Spurs shot was deflected behind for a corner, driven out at the far post, a poor delivery.
George clipped a ball forward to Barry but he dragged Van de Ven out of his way by the shirt. Free-kick to Spurs. Maitland-Niles miscued his clearance but Pickford gathered the ball.
Armstrong was fouled and Garner played a crossfield ball that went through Johnson and out of play. Everton had time to build but kept going back until Mykolenko crossed in poorly and Branthwaite fouled.
A rather naive pass by Armstrong to Maitland-Niles was too easily intercepted but any danger was averted. Fernandes was called for poor grappling on Dewsbury-Hall, who did very well to win an advanced free-kick, 25 yards out. He didn't hit it quite right but it beat the wall and bounced infront of Kinsky, who pushed it behind.
The Everton corner came to nothing and Spurs wanted to counter but the half-time whistle blew, Everton having withstood early pressure but not done anywhere near well enough in building their attacks. Grealish for George?
Second Half
No changes from Moyes, of course -- what was I thinking?
Fernandes finally had Spurs' first shot on target, a weak roll into the hands of Pickford.
A great ball forward for Johnson but Van de Ven was across super quick to boot Johnson and the ball. On the other wing, George finally got past his man and whipped over a brilliant cross for Barry at the far post but Kinsky got his face in the way to save a certain goal.
Everton tried to play out but Bentancur was too quick. Barry got George free but he ran out of space.
A couple of Everton corners, Barry's header hitting a defender on the first, George lashing one goalwards with his left foot on target off the second but blocked away by Bentancur.
Spurs mounted a quicker attack, but Everton stalled it and tried to break themselves, but they too were stalled. Spurs made their first changes after the hour mark.
George was still having a hard time, but Maitland-Niles did well against Tel. And finally Grealish came on for George. High press saw Kinsky give the ball away to Dewsbury-Hall in the dee but he could not beat Kinsky from close range after the Spurs keeper stuck out a leg.
Marmoush was caught offside. Barry was called for climbing on Van Hecke. Tonali was fouled by Dewsbury-Hall but the ref allowed advantage and the Everton defence locked in. Yellow card for Dewsbury-Hall.
Tel was tormenting Maitland-Niles but a good delivery was belted away by Branthwaite. The next attack was cleared by Grealish playing very deep. Spurs kept coming again and again, an excellent ball to Savio at the back post but he could not connect, and Mykolenko did well to thwart him.
Johnson put in a decent cross that Barry headed back to him. Everton wanted a penalty but it was immediately waived it away. Grealish did his thing to beat Gray but Dewsbury-Hall had run in too quick.
But a brilliant move saw Dewsbury-Hall played in a superb cross, setting up an easy chance for Johnson who struck it wide when it looked easier to score!!! Absolutely shocking miss. He was immediately removed in exchange for Hackney, with O'Brien on for Maitland-Niles, just 15 minutes left. Another change for Spurs.
It felt like Spurs were pulling out all the stops, but Everton were keeping their shape, Jake O'Brien brilliantly stopping Savio. But a tremendous Spurs onslaught saw O'Brien and Branthwaite make critical interceptions.
A clever Kudos cross was stopped by Branthwaite. Hackney cleared, but Spurs kept surging at them until Garner was fouled. Savio ran into Garner... and Garner get a yellow card. Astounding!
Spurs played it around again with intent until their cross bounced off Gray's head and behind, seeing Gray then withdrawn for Tosin, the final change for Spurs.
Garner looked to carry the ball forward but played it straight to a Spurs player! Grealish won a typical free-kick but Everton could not build, and Spurs attacked again, with Maddison's pass easily picked up by Pickford.
A terrible play out by Pickford was picked up and Berghval's shot needed to be well saved by Pickford just in front of the post. Spurs corners ensued, Pickford punching the first behind, Branthwaite fouled on the second, as only 3 minutes were added on.
A great Everton attack saw Grealish and Hackney set up Dewsbury-Hall whose shot was barely deflected wide for a late corner... but that was wasted.
A late long throw from Mykolenko didn't come off and the whistle finally went. A tremendous defensive game by Everton, so many Spurs attacks repelled, but so much emphasis on that, they just didn't have enough in attack as a result. A typical Moyes point.
Confirmed Team Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur: Kinsky; Gray (85' Tosin), Van de Ven, Van Hecke, Robertson; Tonali, Bentancur (63' Bergvall), Fernandes (63' Kudus); Savio, Solanke (63' Tel), Marmoush (77' Maddison).
Subs not Used: Dubravka, Senesi, Gallagher, Davies.
Everton: Pickford, Maitland-Niles (75' O'Brien), Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner [Y:84'], Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall [Y:68'], George (65' Grealish), Johnson (75' Hackney), Barry.
Subs not Used: Travers, King, Keane, Dibling, Alcaraz, Graham.
Attendance: 60,477
Match Officials
Reader Comments (90)
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2 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:22:15
Hayden Hackney should be starting in place of James Garner -- he simply is not match fit but hopefully a good hour in the bank will be his game today. Utft 1-2 us
3 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:23:30
2 keepers on bench, bare bones.
4 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:25:03
He's shown in the last couple of games he's not a full back.
5 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:30:30
The Everton website confirmed he's injured.
6 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:39:34
I like the kid, great attitude, fitness and competitive. Got a decent touch.
I don't think he's a long term full back though mate.
7 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:40:32
He's much better than Brennan Johnson certainly at present.
8 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:42:07
Imo
9 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:49:57
He will need to be at his best or near enough.
10 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:53:11
Never gonna happen, though -- this is Everton.
11 Posted 12/09/2026 at 17:39:02
12 Posted 12/09/2026 at 17:46:56
Hold up play is awful.
13 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:01:35
Second game in a row
14 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:03:18
15 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:20:22
Every time the ball got to Barry, he gave it away and we had no outlet. And how Hackney can be on the bench when Johnson gets a start is beyond me.
Moyes has to make some sort of change at half time but certainly before his usual 70th-minute mark. For me, Grealish and Hackney on for the start of the second half... and would Alcaraz do any worse than Barry?
And if there is one thing worse, it is that bloody awful strip.
16 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:21:20
Ainsley Maitland-Niles with too many loose errors for my liking.
Dewsbury-Hall has tried to create but nothing has really worked.
Barry too strong on Van de Ven (never thought I'd write that!).
Mykolenko playing his heart out, absolutely 100%... not perfect but effective.
Johnson... poor.
Use the fucking squad, Moyes!!!
17 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:22:08
18 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:25:24
Playing with ten men, Johnson doesn’t participate in game.
Must change things…
19 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:26:06
Poor final ball from Spurs or we would be behind.
Reckon it's kitap1 second half.
20 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:30:39
21 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:46:26
22 Posted 12/09/2026 at 18:51:31
23 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:01:22
24 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:02:14
25 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:03:07
26 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:06:34
Dewsbury-Hall might benefit from being rested. Looking forward to seeing Garner and Hackney together. I feel with a good Number 6 behind them, they could be awesome.
27 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:08:08
We don't do awesome.
28 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:10:04
Also, when did James Maddison turn into Robbie Savage?
29 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:20:15
Good fighting spirit from the lads.
30 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:20:16
31 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:23:35
Almost totally uninspiring -- the only "bright" spot being getting a point.
32 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:27:32
33 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:27:50
A point away not a terrible result though.
34 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:30:34
Imagine if we had someone who could come on for the last 20, hold the ball up and maybe run in behind once in a while?
35 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:36:00
Could've quite easily had 3 there barring some good saves.
36 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:38:55
Is he missing Ndiaye?
37 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:40:02
A good squad player but certainly no starter. Hayden and Jack have to start starting.
38 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:41:13
It was up to Spurs to try and force a win and they didn't really threaten us much.
It's a so far so good, we shall see what form we produce in our next home game.
39 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:47:00
Johnson should have been substituted earlier. I would have put George on the right flank when Johnson came off.
40 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:47:38
Spurs are struggling, but you wonder how when you look at the options they have in attack. I had bad feelings about this one that they would hit the goal trail as we've seen so often with us.
Maybe this Everton is made of different gravy... who knows?
I wouldn't worry about Dewsbury-Hall too much, Sean, he has had a few quieter games but was immense against Palace on the opening day and pretty good at Bournemouth, the season is in its infancy, the squad and first eleven will soon start shaping itselt out.
41 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:49:35
I thought Johnson's miss was shocking, he should have buried it, his confidence is low, but if that was Barry, he'd be slated, and he could even have passed to Barry for a tap-in.
42 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:49:48
To do that, we need to drop Johnson (too lazy) and play Rohl wide right so he can tuck in and defend to help out.
43 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:53:06
I'm 57 today, and it's criminal the last time we won anything I was 25. Wouldn't it be nice for once to genuinely have something to get excited about.
As long as Moyes is here, so is his best pal Kenwright.
44 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:53:21
They were always going to go all out today.
Sooner Grealish gets fitter the better, George on the right, Johnson is a passenger at the moment and struggling to make an impact.
Spurs missed a trick, I would've put Savio up against Johnson and Maitland-Niles, both being new. Thought Mykolenko did well against one of the trickiest and quickest in the Premier League.
Few changes for the cup game, rest Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Dewsbury-Hall and Armstrong... maybe give Johnson a go up front, Barry can't play every minute of every game.
45 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:54:18
We should never start with Johnson and I would start Hackney and Garner. UTFT!!
46 Posted 12/09/2026 at 19:57:00
Johnson has been so disappointing - if Barry had missed that chance, he would have been slaughtered. Rohl will do much better when he is available.
But why doesn't Moyes use Dibling or Alcaraz? I thought O'Brien did well when he came on for Maitland-Niles. Garner had a terrific game. Dewsbury-Hall was busy but missed a great opportunity.
I am growing into Thierno Barry, he is getting into the box a lot and winning a lot of headers. He was unlucky that the Spurs keeper managed to get his head on his header, otherwise that was goal bound.
Overall, not a bad result, but too many draws will hurt us sooner or later.
47 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:06:24
Johnson is an experienced top flight player with an atrocious technique. At the very least he should be hitting the target.
49 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:12:54
As for Spurs, what a mess they are, didn't even look like scoring and the millions they've laid out, absolutely shocking.
In the 2nd half, only one team looked like winning that game, us. A lot of us were expecting to dip here given our record but we kept them at arm's length and never looked in trouble.
A good point and I'm more than happy.
50 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:14:41
Comment if you actually watch a game
51 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:29:25
I just want us to go for it and lose the fear of losing, that's all.
52 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:32:44
Spurs maybe struggling, but their team is full of quality, Moyes would've loved to have the options on their bench.
Hope Angus is already speaking to striking options for January and we are not leaving it until last-minute. On 1 January ,I want to see a centre-forward holding up an Everton shirt.
53 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:37:57
Despite their £300M spend, they never looked like scoring. I can only recall one shot on target, a daisy cutter straight at Pickford.
Barry was unlucky with the header that hit their keeper in the mush and both Dewsbury-Hall and Johnson should have scored from relatively easy chances. Had we taken all three points, we'd have deserved them.
Defence looks sound, Branthwaite is immense, please God he stays fit.
54 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:40:44
It's a new season, different players... okay, low squad numbers, but get behind the current squad rather than hark on about previous owners.
It's 2026, not 2006 or 2016.
55 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:48:14
”I listened on the radio but..." blah blah blah. FFS.
56 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:50:33
Johnson, looks low on confidence, quite sloppy in possession, with my own view being that it's because of a lack of concentration.
I would also try him up front because I don't think we will get far having to constantly play Barry (especially for 90 minutes) and just get him running around and chasing everything, in a similar way that Marcus Bent played all those years ago.
57 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:54:46
George was shocking today; Barry is improving; Dewsbury-Hall had an off game.
Johnson? I don't know what he is playing but maybe better as an impact sub. Everton, the club that keeps on giving but at least a point is better than none. Because half a loaf is better than.... Chin-chin.
58 Posted 12/09/2026 at 20:57:47
But I think, if we play him, he will continue to get good chances, and some of them will go in. And for a team like us, we need that goal input.
59 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:00:34
60 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:02:29
He doesn't look good enough with the ball at his feet either. Better coming on to a chance.
61 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:08:00
A comfortable footballer, composed in possession, will get done for pace by a fast winger, but positionally experienced.
I thought he did okay today, will get better with fitness.
Not a long-term right-back solution, of course.
62 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:11:11
Spurs had a host of opportunities and failed at every one. We got away with it.
I listened on 5 live. It was one-way traffic for most of the game apart from a brief spell in the second half.
It did sound like we did miss a few gilt edged chances, but Moyes subbed the team back into snatching a 0-0 and employed a low block at the end which he again got away with.
63 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:29:28
We deserved the point and I wouldn't begrudge Mykolenko the MOTM tag although I thought Branthwaite was better with Tarkowski and Garner not far behind both of them making crucial interventions that possibly saved a goal or two.
Johnson doesn't look fit to me so I'll give him more time to show his credentials, but Pickford's kick outs were endangering the players on the touchline warming up except for the perfect chance he set up for the Spurs player near the end.
Another point towards Davie's target of forty by the end of the season.
64 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:32:04
Keep fighting and grinding results out. Let's hope that Masters and the Premier League don't dream up another points deduction.
65 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:33:10
I wasn't impressed with Maitland-Niles either... Hackney should have been on 15 minutes earlier, and Armstrong is learning on the job, but it shouldn't be for 90 minutes.
George should have stayed on and Johnson taken off.
66 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:38:34
Spurs were there for the taking but we allowed them to dictate the tempo and dominate possession.
Barry once again the weakest link but we generally played well apart from George who probably had his worst game for us.
67 Posted 12/09/2026 at 21:50:11
I agree. It's a bit weird. We all see the game differently, including the commentators we're listening to. I don't think I could have an opinion on a game I haven't seen? But each to their own, I guess.
For my two pennies' worth, Armstrong struggled to get into it and should've been swapped for Hackney. Johnson was anonymous and George should've switched wings again when Grealish came on.
Watching us give the ball away all over the park in under 5 seconds all day was ridiculously frustrating. We were rubbish and still walked away with a point, which is great!
68 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:00:49
A good defensive performance all round but one where Moyes showed his lack of ambition. He is happy to take a point, rather than risk going for all 3.
I am yet to be convinced about Brennan Johnson. I thought the trade we made to get him was worth the gamble, especially if he could rediscover his Forest form. But he has been disappointing so far. Maybe he will improve with more game time.
It's hard to be too disappointed with a point away from home, but Spurs were there for the taking. A more adventurous manager would have gone for the jugular in the second half.
Only 3 subs used again too, Dour Davey always fails to make full use of his subs. That could prove costly when we start to pick up a few injuries and have to use players who have had little, or no, game time.
69 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:06:04
Wouldn't it be bloody great to play like we “need” to win without it being when we're shitting ourselves because we're about to get relegated!
70 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:09:37
Wracked my brain and came up empty. Anyone know without looking it up?
71 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:12:51
72 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:12:51
73 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:17:42
Both much more recent than 2018.
74 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:20:02
The firestick gives me what it gives...
75 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:20:47
Still unbeaten... keep it going, Blues!
76 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:28:17
We are doing okay, and we have some good young players who will improve as the season goes on. I'm quite optimistic about the season but we should have done much better in the transfer window.
77 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:37:32
The words of the title: Defensive Master Class...
You don't have to watch a game to come to the conclusion that it was no masterclass. If you believe it was, I would refer you to the uniquely unbiased commentary on said radio station, the comments on the Live Forum and those on threads here.
78 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:37:44
I wanted to give a huge shout out to the Evertonians who sang throughout, even when we were under the cosh at the start, they were louder and more varied in their repertoire than the Spurs fans.
I had to keep a lid on things early on as I was a guest, but couldn't resist joining in a couple of choruses of "If you know yer history" and "Spirit of the Blues" near the end, plus went down to clap Pickford and the lads who came across to say thanks for support.
After a shaky start, we created some decent half-chances, but finishing wasn't good enough today, Johnson especially fluffed his lines to be a hero. Fortunately, Spurs were also toothless, perhaps we both could've done with Richarlison?
Overall, a decent point against a Spurs side we haven't beaten away for a fair old time, and the unbeaten run continues. Obviously we need to start turning these draws into wins, and surely Ipswich at home is the ideal time to do that before the break!
79 Posted 12/09/2026 at 22:40:08
Spurs were frightened of losing, it was a good time to play them, but we didn't have the balls, and maybe the guile, to go and win it.
Barry tires at 65 to 70 minutes, there has to be a Plan B.
80 Posted 12/09/2026 at 23:07:33
Defence can't pull that performance out every week. We are going to need to score two most weeks to get a win. I think we will struggle in that department.
81 Posted 12/09/2026 at 23:51:00
For a start, a ‘defensive masterclass' may simply begin and end with excellent organisation, which essentially neutralises a lot of the opposition's threat by making them have to run down blind alleys, attempt passes with very little chance of success, but you won't see any that with a radio commentary and I've not ever heard one that really gives you that granular detail.
I get the impression you are attacking the wording of the headline at least partly because you don't think you have to be that good to nullify Spurs' attacking threat. If so, then you are being very hard on the likes of Robertson, Tonali, Savio, Marmoush, Maddison and Kudus.
The biggest ‘red flag' in your posts is your use of the phrase ‘one-way traffic'. That's just not a term that should be applied to today's game. It's true that Spurs had the lion's share of possession (largely because we were wasteful and disjointed in possession rather than Spurs being brilliant at pressing or winning the ball back) but they really did threaten very little. Someone has said our xG was double theirs and that seems about right to me -- because we were cohesive and disciplined out of possession.
Not a great game. A point each is fair enough. Didn't really get the subs in both quantity and timing, but especially leaving the sloppy Johnson on when George could have been given the chance to repeat his successful switch to the right with Grealish coming on. Still puzzled by the lack of use of Alcaraz to drive at the opposition defence in the later stages.
82 Posted 12/09/2026 at 00:29:34
They were poor all round, same as Everton too, making for a low-quality, eye-paining game. But at least Everton got a point and it is better than going home with nothing.
83 Posted 12/09/2026 at 00:49:36
Fuck off, Moyes. Hackney must be before Armstrong and Dewsbury-Hall. And you've already fucked up Rohl's confidence.
84 Posted 13/09/2026 at 05:55:01
Let's face it. This was a play-it-safe proposition. We did get enough opportunities to justify the tactics. There were also some moments late where an aggressive sub, Alcaraz for Barry, could have put some pressure on Spurs while the crowd was anxious.
Losing Rohl probably explains it, if the shit kits don't. But again, without enough rotation in early season matches, we are setting ourselves up for disjointed performances as new partnerships struggle.
We would benefit much from players settling into regular roles and timing of subs. That would provide some durability when an injury occurs. Trying to adjust too much to the opponent will keep us from reaching a rhythm with Armstrong and Hackney that is badly needed. We have to take some chances early and let them learn, even if it is the hard way.
Come on, Moyes, we're not going down. Make some moves that will give confidence and inspiration to the players we have. They are not built for attempts at defensive masterclass.
85 Posted 13/09/2026 at 06:14:48
We invited pressure by sitting in a low block and threw in blocks, headers and clearances to keep a clean sheet. A vintage Sean Dyche performance is how I would describe it.
Nothing wrong with that, and we got our first point there for 5 years plus.
We have Ipswich at home next week, which for me is a must win game. I hope to see Grealish on the left, George on the right and Hackney as the advanced midfielder.
86 Posted 13/09/2026 at 06:59:48
They started off at 100 mph but without having a real shot on target, the pace dropped off, their heads went down a little, simple passes didn't find a white shirt -p add to that -- they started giving 'What the fuck was that ball?' looks to each other.
All is not well there... and they're not in a false position -- they just won't admit it yet.
Can't score vs won't really try to score -- no surprise it was 0-0. A half decent Beto replacement and we win by 2 or 3 goals. Johnson was lucky to stay on and George was unlucky to come off.
Only Moyes's 'reluctance' to play too many off the bench kept Dewsbury-Hall and Armstrong on... If he actually wanted to play and not just bank the wages, Dibling needs to go somewhere else,
Rohl injured or Moyes making a point about the small squad? You never can tell with that devious chap.
We can't put together a squad of 25 and they can... but Richarlison, who would probably walk into Barry's position, can't get a look in.
Coventry win and Spurs are back in even deeper shit... Come on, Frankie, you're due a win.
87 Posted 13/09/2026 at 07:59:47
It was definitely a cagey game with them under pressure, despite having a strong squad, whereas we were happy to stay tight for a 0-0, or sneak a 1-0 win.
I'd have changed Armstrong and Johnson for Grealish and Hackney. I thought George had the beating of his man, and Johnson offers nothing like that threat, but has the higher credible goals on his CV. And to be honest, he should have got the winner. He had time for a touch and shot.
A word on Dewsbury-Hall: I think he is a good player, but can be hot or cold. He can finish brilliantly, like at Palace, or create a lovely 1-2, but he can then lose it with some scruffy play. He plays with risk, but isn't pure silky South American type that never loses the ball. He is a class below England in my opinion.
Rohl picked up his injury vs Man Utd. I know there were a couple that were critical of him coming off.
88 Posted 13/09/2026 at 08:10:18
Brennan Johnson is going to make those runs and get in space in the box and on the end of things. His luck will change, if you want to win the raffle, you need to buy a ticket... and that is his game.
Spurs were high intensity and we stood firm. Ending up with double their xG is a good sign away from home.
There were too many long balls and Pickford with more than his fair share. Our press was good at times and when their keeper gave it to Dewsbury-Hall right in the middle of their goal, he could have done better.
Barry got another good header which could have easily gone in -- the goalkeeper got lucky: it hit him in the face. He also ran himself ragged, putting in quite a shift.
That Barry header came from a great run from George beating his man, getting to the byline and putting in a great cross. He really will bring some great moments this season.
12 shots to their 14 and we had 3 on target to their 2; our xG was 1.17 to their 0.64. Most of theirs was from way out and blown into the stands.
All in all, a 6 or 7 out of 10 for an away performance. Three points next Saturday and we will be sitting pretty in a European spot!
89 Posted 13/09/2026 at 08:16:11
I agree, Moyes didn't use his full complement of subs but all the moaners are the same ones who were complaining about the lack of getting in forwards 10 days ago. This failure to sneak this game 1-0 is the result of that transfer calamity and will continue to hurt us all season.
I get the frustration, I feel it too. I was happy with a point, we never win there. Look at the cash they have spent, I would be livid if I supported them.
Beat Ipswich next week, with Hackney and Grealish on from the start as this helps Dewsbury-Hall to link up, and it will be a promising start. We're often on 1 or 2 points by this stage; I am unusually optimistic.
90 Posted 13/09/2026 at 08:48:48
And we still got a point at Spurs, who have bigger problems.
91 Posted 13/09/2026 at 09:06:37
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1 Posted 12/09/2026 at 16:15:35