Tottenham Hotspur delivered a commanding performance with a 4-0 victory over Everton on August 24, 2024. The match was ruled by Tottenham, who dominated the game in almost every aspect.
The statistics tell a clear story: Spurs had 71% possession, 12 shots (7 on target), and an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.266, significantly higher than Everton’s 0.4588 xG. This victory was a testament to Tottenham’s superior game management and attacking efficiency, while Everton struggled to gain a foothold.
Tottenham’s higher xG and shot count underline their attacking threat throughout the game. The contrast in possession and pass accuracy further highlights Tottenham’s dominance, as they controlled the tempo and flow of the match, limiting Everton’s opportunities to build meaningful attacks.
Match Momentum: The momentum of the match was heavily in Tottenham’s favor. A cumulative expected goals (xG) graph clearly illustrates the consistent pressure Spurs maintained, gradually increasing their xG from the 13th minute, with the first goal coming from Son Heung-Min at the 24th minute (0.51 xG). Spurs continued to build on this lead, with goals from Cristian Romero and another from Son Heung-Min, further tilting the momentum in their favor. Everton’s cumulative xG, on the other hand, remained flat for most of the game, reflecting their inability to create significant scoring opportunities.
In-Possession Tactics:
Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham’s pass map showcases their fluid and cohesive in-possession strategy. With Yves Bissouma anchoring the midfield and James Maddison pulling the strings, Spurs focused on quick, vertical passes to exploit Everton’s defensive gaps. The wing-backs, Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, played pivotal roles in maintaining width and stretching Everton’s defense, while Son Heung-Min operated as a central figure up front, constantly threatening with his movement and finishing. The connections between Maddison, Bissouma, and Son were particularly effective, with Son’s brace reflecting this interplay.
Everton: Everton’s pass map, however, tells a different story. The Toffees struggled to build play effectively from the back, often resorting to safer, lateral passes within their own half. Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucouré were frequently involved in defensive duties, limiting their ability to contribute to attacks. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was isolated up front, with little service from the midfield, which stifled any potential Everton had to counter Tottenham’s dominance. The map also shows a lack of forward passes, indicating Everton’s struggle to progress the ball into threatening areas.
Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-0 victory over Everton was a demonstration of their tactical superiority, both in and out of possession. They effectively neutralized Everton’s threats and capitalized on their own opportunities with clinical precision. Everton will need to regroup and reassess their approach, particularly in how they transition from defense to attack, as they look to bounce back from this heavy defeat. For Spurs, this performance cements their place as a top contender this season, showcasing the attacking prowess and tactical discipline that could see them challenge for major honors.