BBC’s Alistair Bruce-Ball aggrieved with cynical foul on Andros Townsend by Sergio Reguilon
Everton winger Andros Townsend was harshly brought down in the first half against Tottenham, much to the dismay of BBC commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball.
In what were tight early stages, Townsend was ready to break with the ball after an interception and surge towards the penalty area. In an attempt to halt Everton’s progression, Tottenham wing-back Sergio Reguilon cynically barged over his man on the halfway line and received the first yellow card of the afternoon.
Matching the Goodison Park home contingent, BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Bruce-Ball exclaimed: “Very crudely brought down by Reguilon, who gets the first yellow card of the game. No argument from his manager.”
Co-commentator Michael Brown added: “He does very, very well Andros Townsend. He uses his body and runs across.”
Influence from wide
That opportunity to counter-attack went begging, with the well-matched first half ending 0-0. However, there were chances for the hosts and the incident demonstrated the danger that Everton’s wide men could hold this afternoon.
With Antonio Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, the majority of space – and, therefore, most lucrative avenue of attack – could be in behind the wing-backs.
Spurs have been fairly sloppy on the ball, and with the seeming sharpness of Everton’s attacking players – Townsend has already been fouled three times this afternoon (WhoScored) – they could exploit their opponents.
With the fluidity of Townsend, Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon in behind Richarlison, there should be opportunities to drift around and pick up pockets of space in wide areas.
Taking advantage of the pace of their forward players, therefore, Everton may find joy in focusing their progressive phases in those spaces.
Townsend, especially, will be keen to make a direct influence on proceedings, facing his former employers. The winger has so far faced Spurs 12 times in his career, only scoring once (Transfermarkt).
Let’s hope, for the Toffees sake, that today is the day to improve on that record.
In other Everton news, Rafael Benitez is confident of his side’s chances this campaign.