Spurs looked typically brittle in defence and, more significantly, out of ideas in attack, as they went down 3-1 at home to Everton tonight. Goals from Lescott, Osman and a deflected Stubbs free-kick won the game for Moyes’ men, with Gardner giving Spurs brief hope with an equaliser in the first-half. However, they were always second best, with a performance that once again demonstrated a lack of creativity and confidence. Darren Bent failed to make an impression on his debut, while Berbatov showed flashes, including a smart header that struck a post in the second-half but Everton’s midfield always looked in control, whilst the organisation of their defence snuffed out the majority of Spurs’ attacking ambitions. To make matters worse, Jol’s injury-hit defence lost new signing Kaboul to injury early in the first-half.

Arteta was as usual, instrumental in most of Everton’s creative work, including two of their goals. Osman meanwhile, seems to be filling the void left by Cahill’s injury rather nicely with 2 goals in 2 games. At the back Lescott and Stubbs stood out and their goals further boosted their appeal to Fantasy Managers. In contrast, their form is likely to keep both Baines and Jagielka on the bench for a few weeks to come which will see their Fantasy stock fall. As a sidenote, Andy Johnson also looked sharp and is sure to get off the mark very soon.

Spurs now face Derby at the Lane on Saturday in a must-win scenario. Everton meanwhile, visit Reading and will be full of confidence. They have Blackburn and Bolton to follow after the Reading game and then United at home in mid-September. Spurs meanwhile will face both United, Fulham and North London rivals Arsenal, following the Derby game, which only emphasises the importance of this weekend’s game for Jol’s side. They will hope to have Michael Dawson back in their defence after he failed a fitness test on his ankle injury tonight. Without him, Derby, and in particular Steve Howard, will fancy their chances.