Zhipan Sport

Solanke struggles, but Branthwaite solid - player ratings for Spurs v Everton

Sep 13, 02:32 AM

How Spurs and Everton's players rated following their Premier League match, which ended in a goalless draw.

Tottenham Hotspur and Everton played out a goalless draw in the Premier League, a result that did little to help either side's ambitions. Spurs dominated possession with over 60 percent of the ball but could not break down Everton's compact defensive block, while the visitors carried a threat on the counter and left with a hard-earned point. For Spurs, striker Dominic Solanke endured a frustrating afternoon. He managed just two shots, neither on target, and was largely neutralised by Everton's centre-backs. Unable to win his duels or hold the ball up effectively, Solanke repeatedly saw attacking moves break down at the final stage. Rating: 5/10. In stark contrast, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite delivered a near-flawless performance. The young centre-back recorded seven clearances, three interceptions and four successful aerial duels, repeatedly snuffing out Spurs' crosses and through balls. His positioning and composure in possession gave Everton a calm base at the back. Rating: 8/10. James Maddison remained Spurs' most creative outlet, registering four key passes and threatening from set pieces, but his teammates' movement and finishing failed to match his vision. Out wide, Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson showed flashes of trickery but could not unlock Everton's well-drilled defence. Ratings: Maddison 7/10, Son 6/10. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also played a crucial role, producing a sharp save from a close-range effort in the second half to preserve his clean sheet. The Toffees displayed remarkable tactical discipline, keeping their lines compact in defence and using Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil to drive forward on the break. Rating: Pickford 7.5/10. The match highlighted Spurs' lack of attacking variation. With Solanke shackled, they lacked a second striker to contest knock-downs or midfielders willing to shoot from distance, and their crosses were repeatedly headed clear by Everton's tall defenders. Ange Postecoglou's side need to find more solutions in the final third, or they will continue to dominate possession without reward against deep-lying opponents. Everton, meanwhile, extended their recent defensive solidity. Sean Dyche's men proved their resilience with a clean sheet, and while their attacking creativity remains limited, a point away at Spurs is a positive step towards their mid-table or survival objectives. Branthwaite's continued development gives Everton a vital building block for the future. The draw represents another setback for Spurs in the race for European places, while Everton take confidence from the result. With a congested fixture list ahead, how both sides address their respective issues in attack and defence will shape the remainder of their seasons.