What we learned: Tottenham 0-0 Everton

A decent performance and a decent point away at a ground where Everton typically don’t do well, but there’s a sense of disappointment about only managing a 0-0 draw against a Tottenham team who, frankly, look woeful.

Here’s a few things we learned from Saturday’s stalemate.

MOYES STILL CAN’T GET HIS SUBS RIGHT

Last week, against Manchester United, David Moyes was positive with his changes from the bench. But, Everton were needing to chase the game, so the onus really was on the Scot to be proactive.

Unfortunately, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Moyes fell back into his old trap of using substitutes to simply try and see out a point, rather than push for a winner.

Tyrique George did not have a great game, but he is capable of spectacular moments. Why did he have to be the one to make way for Jack Grealish?

To compound that, why did Moyes turn to Hayden Hackney to come on for Brennan Johnson?

Why not keep it simple and go like for like, with Hackney coming into midfield? Perhaps turn to Carlos Alcaraz to replace Johnson, if you really don’t want to use Tyler Dibling.

Moyes’ subs are too often his Achilles heel. With such a small squad, he needs to be better.

THE PITFALLS OF HAVING SO FEW OPTIONS

However, all that being said, the fact that Everton’s squad is so small does not help Moyes’ case.

There is only so much he can do. Thierno Barry cut a frustrated figure up top — he had one great chance when Antonín Kinský made a save with his head, but really, Barry should have done better to direct his attempt either side of the Spurs goalkeeper.

Yet there was no way to replace him, with two of Everton’s “alternative” striking options — George and Johnson — starting the game and having to go off themselves.

With Merlin Röhl out injured, Moyes had to turn to Jake O’Brien at full-back, although there’s an argument to say he could have put James Garner there and instead used Hackney in midfield.

This is a mess entirely of Everton’s own creation, though. And it will cost them.

GARNER IS BACK AND BRANTHWAITE IS BRILLIANT

Garner’s performances have been the subject of much scrutiny, but people need to step back. He missed the entirety of pre-season due to a groin issue and has had to work his way back to fitness and sharpness during games that matter, while playing catch up with the rest of the squad and most of his opponents.

But this game felt like a turning point for Garner, who was largely dominant against a Spurs midfield that included two players bought this summer for a combined £172M.

Garner was back showing the kind of intensity and tackling ability that he demonstrated last term, and now it’s just about refining his sharpness on the ball.

Behind Garner, though, a word for Jarrad Branthwaite.

Vitalii Mykolenko received the Player of the Match Award, and he was good defensively, but Branthwaite was, simply put, immense. 

It’s nothing new to learn how good Branthwaite is, but that is now two performances on the bounce in which he has really shone as the standout defender.

He’ll likely be rested for Wednesday’s League Cup tie with Wolves, and — if he does not get England recognition for the upcoming international window — then ideally he will get the chance to further recuperate over that three-week break.

Keeping him fit is pivotal. There’s no other way around it.

Read more - Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall calls for a more measured response after the transfer 'Meltdowns'

 

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