Sky Sports pundit wary of Everton chances in daunting Tottenham and Newcastle double-header
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min can “take the game away from” Everton if they don’t defend well in London on Saturday says Kevin Campbell.
The Toffees have two tough away trips to contend with following the defeat to Manchester United on 9 October which ended their six-game unbeaten streak, with Tottenham on Saturday (15 October) followed by Newcastle on Wednesday (19 October).
Sky Sports pundit Campbell thinks a draw would be a good return from the visit to St James’ Park, but with Spurs’ form up and down he believes Everton have got a chance at a result if their defence plays up to its high standards this season.
Looking at the two tough trips in quick succession he exclusively told Goodison News: “It’s one of them where if you were offered a point you’d take it now, the way Newcastle have been going.
“But Spurs? Spurs is always going to be a tough game. I’m covering that one.
“But sometimes it depends on what Spurs turn up, and what Everton turn up.
“I know that if Everton can keep in the game, Spurs haven’t been free-flowing. They’ve been winning certain games, and they’ve done ok, and they’re still up there in the league but they haven’t been playing great.
“The key to it all is Everton have to defend well. If Everton defend well they give themselves a real chance.
“If they don’t defend well you know what [Harry] Kane and Son [Heung-min] are like. They can take the game away from anybody. They combined against a good Brighton side, to win the game, and that’s what they needed.
“So Everton have to be on their mettle, for sure.”
Both games will be hard, with Antonio Conte’s side still third in the Premier League despite their comprehensive loss at Arsenal on 1 October, but they are only just ahead in a relatively easy Champions League group, with the narrow 3-2 win over 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday (12 October) their only win in the last three European games.
Son and Kane scored all three though so there is no doubting their quality in attack, with ex-Goodison star Richarlison also an option.
The Everton defence still has the joint best goals-conceded in the league despite the loss to United, so if they can keep that up they’ve got a chance, but maintaining that record over the next two will be some challenge.