Next up for Everton is a trip to White Hart Lane. We spoke to Spurs fan Jonny Clark for a Spurs perspective ahead of the game.
1) Hi Jonny, thanks for speaking to us today. Give us your assessment of Spurs’ season up to now. Have the club progressed at all?
So far we’ve been very poor. We offered little at Old Trafford, before failing to hold a lead at home to Stoke. We were better against Leicester, but chucking away a goal straight after taking the lead was costly. Definitely no signs of improvement as of yet – in fact we seem to be moving further away from the top four. The last few days of the transfer window will be crucial.
2) How is Mauricio Pochettino getting on? Is he the right man to lead Spurs into the Champions League?
It’s impossible to judge him yet, like Pochettino said himself – check back after 10 games. However, I think a lot of fans would join me in worrying a little if we fail to win this weekend. As far the Champions League, it seems a very unlikely prospect at present.
3) What do you make of Spurs’ new signings?
I don’t know much about Clinton N’Jie but a forward was a necessity, as Kane needs all the help he can get. Having watched a lot of Bundesliga, I am a big fan of Kevin Wimmer – who I think will work his way into the picture at Spurs. The signing of Kieran Trippier hardly excites, but he is good competition for Walker, whilst Alderweireld is a great addition – maybe the one who will improve the starting line-up the most. I’d be very happy if we could add Son, he is a player who really excites me.
4) How do you view Everton?
I’m not sure what to think of Everton so far, a draw with Watford at home before hammering Southampton at St Mary’s, and then the expected loss to Manchester City. It will be close, maybe (hopefully) similar to last seasons encounter at White Hart Lane.
5) How do you expect us to do this season?
Everton aren’t being mentioned at all, and many even rate Southampton and Swansea above them – however I think Everton will improve on last season and qualify for the Europa League. The goals of Romelu Lukaku will be crucial.
6) How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I remember answering this last season, and I wasn’t sure if he’d even be in the job by the end of the season. However, credit to him, Everton improved towards the end of last season, and he can build on that. He’s far from the genius he seemed after his first season at the club but if he can bring a bit of stability to the club – he could be there for the long-term.
7) Which 3 Everton players would you take to White Hart Lane given the chance?
Coleman – Would be a big step up on Walker and Trippier, pacy, as well as being good defensively and a good crosser of the ball. Very reliable.
Lukaku – No doubt about this one. Spurs desperately need a new striker and Everton have a young, strong one with the potential to be a prolific Premier League goal scorer.
Stones – There’s no way he is only worth £30m (Sorry Chelsea) but Stones is a defender who, despite his age, has already proven himself at the top. Like Lukaku, he has fantastic potential.
8) Which Tottenham players should Everton be wary of on Saturday?
Not many of our players are at their best right now but Nacer Chadli is one man that has been at it. He is often underrated by Premier League watchers, but he was in double figures last season in terms of goals – and his strength, direct running, and crossing can be a danger for defences.
9) And who will Spurs fans fear in a blue shirt?
We will be wary of the aforementioned Romelu Lukaku. Spurs’ defence is notoriously flimsy, and I think the strong and direct Lukaku could trouble compatriot Jan Vertonghen.
10) Likely Spurs team and score prediction.
Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Mason, Dier, Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela and Kane. I’ll go with 2-1 Spurs for this one!
Thanks to Jonny for his time. You can follow him on Twitter at @JonjoClark14
