Tottenham ace Oliver Skipp must be sacrificed at half-time v Everton after zero-key pass performance
Tottenham supporters will be happy at half-time after seeing their side take a 2-0 lead against Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou’s men are well on their way to securing a third consecutive win in the Premier League after a strong first-half display against the Toffees.
Richarlison scored his fourth goal in three games to open the scoring against his former side after just nine minutes. Son Heung-min doubled the hosts’ lead nine minutes later to put the home side in a commanding position.
However, despite a strong overall team performance, one player could be sacrificed by Postecoglou at half-time.
Oliver Skipp, a surprise introduction in the starting line-up following Giovani Lo Celso’s return to fitness, did not cover himself in glory during the first 45 minutes in north London.
Although he was able to complete 97 per cent of his passes, zero of those passes were key, and he was unable to impact the game in forward areas by providing zero crosses into the box and zero long balls forward (Sofascore).
Defensively he was solid, winning both of the ground duels which he contested and making two clearances, but he also gave possession away three times, and Postecoglou could look to bring a more creative player, such as Lo Celso on, for the second half.
During Lo Celso’s last Premier League start against West Ham on 7 December the midfielder was arguably one of the best players on the pitch. He completed 90 per cent of his passes with three of those being key, and won five ground duels and four fouls for his side, while also hitting the woodwork.
Whatever Spurs’ manager decides to do at half-time, supporters will feel confident that their side can hold on and see out another valuable three points.
In other Tottenham news, one BBC pundit has told supporters to “trust the process” in regard to one of their most recent signings.