“It’s painful to watch…Everton deserve better.” That was the sentiment expressed by a Tottenham Hotspur fan who was heard talking on the tube as he left White Hart Lane station after the game.
As happy as he was no doubt happy to see his Spurs side run riot, he clearly felt saddened by the plight of a famous rival who failed to put up much of a fight.
There are a variety of reasons behind the 4-0 defeat, its scale and the manner in which it was carried out
Most are well-known and many are beyond the control of manager Sean Dyche, who has battled with them over the past two seasons to keep Everton in the Premier League against the odds.
But it’s another troubling start, and those outside the blue bubble can clearly see that.
Here are some moments you may have missed last Saturday…
Richarlison’s respect tugs at the heartstrings as the player’s love for Everton is clear
One player who appears to be in pain is Richarlison. Tottenham failed to secure a happy home for the Brazil international, who found himself on the bench despite £65m summer signing Dominic Solanke being ruled out through injury. His position seems absurd from a distance, especially from Goodison Park, where he is still much loved.
Richarlison makes little secret of his love for Everton. Arnaut Danjuma spoke about this when he was on loan last season – reflecting on his earlier decision to leave the Blues and join Spurs at 11am, only to find Richarlison waiting for him in the dressing room, questioning his decisions.
Posts on social media show his affection for his former club and his actions as well. On this occasion, he ended the match with a walk away, where he gave his jersey to a young Everton fan.
James Tarkowski shows his class with the tunnel gesture
Richarlison’s move wasn’t the only touch of class on display. James Tarkowski was happy to take the time to chat with the mascot who will be joining him on the pitch as they shared a laugh in the tunnel.
As they prepared to do so, the heavens opened. Tarkowski responded by removing his training coat and pulling it over the youngster before the pair entered the pitch.
After the game, it was the centre-back who appeared in the media – as he did after his disappointing performance at Brighton & Hove Albion and as he often does in difficult times. He doesn’t have to do that – it’s a testament to his respect for the fans.
The final advice of Steve Stone as Roman Dixon is supported by his co-stars and friends
Few among the traveling Blues will remember this latest disappointment in north London with fondness, but it was a big day for Roman Dixon.
The 19-year-old was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI as Dyche tried to manage a back injury crisis and worked hard in his first senior appearance.
Picking up would be emotional for him, but he had the support of those around him. After defensive warm-ups, Mason Holgate and Tarkowski quickly approached him to wish him luck before assistant coach Steve Stone took him to the side of the field and spoke to him at length about his role.
Off the pitch he has also received plenty of support, with former and current academy teammates paying tribute to his call-up, from under-21s Halid Djankpata to Katie Kouyata, now of Barrow.
Asmir Begović is back on the pitch with Everton
Harrison Armstrong also came onto the field to make his late debut – an occasion which crowns a remarkable rise to prominence this summer for the 17-year-old midfielder. Armstrong looked calm in stoppage time after replacing Idriss Gueye and fired a dangerous ball across the Spurs box that Cristian Romero had to climb behind.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the experience scale, Asmir Begović returned to the group on Saturday. The veteran goalkeeper, signed to add some experience to the goalkeeping ranks and allow younger team-mates such as Harry Tyrer and Billy Crellin to seek out loans, was out on the pitch helping Joa Virginia and Jordan Pickford warm up, 24 hours after his return. he was confirmed to the Blues.