Spurs under 23’s 1-4 Everton: (match report)
“There were five shots on target and they scored four, but for 65 minutes I thought we controlled the game if I’m being honest. We lacked a killer instinct, a bit of power and directness at times, plus a bit of cuteness – they were a bit cuter than us and played with a bit more football nous and league experience than we did. We were a little bit too honest in that respect.” (Ugo Ehiogu)
Our under 23’s fell to a 4-1 defeat against Everton, at Goodison park on Monday evening in a match where the score couldn’t give justice to a battling Spurs performance. I was at a bitterly cold Goodison park reporting on Monday evenings game where Ugo Ehiogu’s side gave a good account of themselves against top of the table Everton, the blues side including a selection of first team players including Muhamed Bešić and Ademola Lookman. There was a surprise inclusion on the team sheet, trialist Ryan Johnson who plays for Stevenage started for the Lillywhites at left centre back. The 20 year old centre half who has played 12 times for Stevenage’s first team, had a trial at Man United two years ago. After a fairly uneventful opening 25 minutes where a solid and defensively structured Spurs side controlled the tempo of the game, Spurs came close to breaking the deadlock when bright spark Marcus Edwards went close on 26 minutes. Edwards’s embarked on a mazy run into the Everton box skipping past an Everton defender before unleashing a shot from close range, which was well blocked by defender Brendan Galloway. Spurs were taking control of the game, and were beginning to look the much better side. Cy Goddard set up forward Shilow Tracey, when he slipped the ball through to the striker from a free kick, Tracey’s effort from a tight angle was well saved by Hewelt.
Everton went close at the other end when Calvert-Lewin powered a header narrowly wide of Glovers right post. Spurs went into the interval the better side, structured and in control they were dealing with an experienced Everton side with relative ease. Spurs continued to impress in the opening stages of the second half, the back three of Tanganga, Maghoma and Johnson well marshalled Everton’s attacking line. However, the potent Ademola Lookman opened the scoring for the blues on 64 minutes. The former Charlton player latched onto Galloway’s deflected cross at the far post, bundling the ball past Glover and into the net. Everton were starting to stamp their authority on the game and soon added their second eight minutes
later, Miller saw his long range effort well saved at the other end, before the blues doubled their advantage through Bassala Sambou. The newly introduced striker curled the ball wonderfully into the top corner as he turned past his man, a classy goal that left Glover rooted to his spot. However, Spurs fought back three minutes later when substitute Kazaiah Sterling nodded home Marcus Edwards cross, after some really good work from Edwards he created an opening, 2-1! The drama continued at a quick pace, Everton effectively ending the game just minutes after Spurs pulled a goal back. In a goal that was similar to their second, Kieran Dowell curled a delicious effort into the top corner of the net leaving Glover with no chance, 3-1 to Everton.
Everton rounded of the game with a fourth three minutes from time when a deflected pass from the defence was played straight into the feet of Calvert-Lewin, who stroked the ball home from close range. The final score Spurs 1-4 Everton, a game where the scoreline couldn’t have been further from the truth, we were the better side for the majority of the game, Ehiogu’s young side putting in a commendable display against a much older Everton side, they deserved a draw.
Player review: – Tom Glover: Everton’s goals were of no fault of his own, wasn’t called into action for the most part of the game.
– TJ Eyoma: Decent display at wing back from the under 18, stayed deep and looked comfortable up against the talented Lookman.
– Japhet Tanganga: Played well in an impressive defensive trio, strong on the ball and good in the air.
– Filip Lesniak: Lesniak had a brilliant game in the centre of park, flawless and as efficient as ever, he covered a lot of ground and won the praises of Ehiogu.
– Christian Maghoma: My man of the match, Maghoma made some crucial interventions, was good in the air and was a commanding presence with in the side.
– Ryan Johnson: I was really impressed with the 20 year old trialist, Johnson was composed and read the game well. He also showed a great passing ability.
– Will Miller: Not his usual effective self had a quiet game out wide, failing to make much of an impact.
– Cy Goddard: On a rare start Goddard proved to be one of our best players, very creative in the centre of the park.
– Shilow Tracey: Done well up front, pressed continuously and got into some good positions. Tracey has such a high work rate.
– Marcus Edwards: The Tottenham starlet was one of Spurs’ most creative players, his skilful runs causing the blues problems throughout the game.
– Jaden Brown: Adapted well to playing higher up the pitch, looked good both defensively and offensively.
– Kazaiah Sterling: Made a real impact when coming on as he scored Spurs’ goal, seems to be adapting really well to under 23 football.
My man of the match: Christian Maghoma. Maghoma made some crucial interventions, was good in the air and was a commanding presence with in the side. Maghoma has been in great form over recent matches and is a player who I rate highly.
Everton: Hewelt, Kenny (c), Robinson, Besic (Charsley 46), Feeney, Galloway, Dowell (Henen 84), Walsh, Calvert-Lewin, Williams, Lookman (Sambou 64). Substitutes (not used): Gray (GK), Foulds.
Spurs: Glover, Eyoma, Tanganga, Lesniak (c), Maghoma, Johnson (trialist, Bennetts 77), Miller (Sterling 68), Goddard (Marsh 81), Tracey, Edwards, Brown. Substitute (not used): Whiteman (GK).
Goals: Everton – Lookman 61, Sambou 69, Dowell 75, Calvert-Lewin 87; Spurs – Sterling 72.
Yellow cards: Spurs – Johnson 76.
Attendance: 885.
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