Tottenham must build on rousing victory over woeful Everton

From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Tottenham's meeting with Everton on Monday night was not one overly tinged with optimism before kick off.

Even with European rivals Manchester United, Wolves and West Ham losing over the week to provide Spurs with the opportunity to close the gap on those above them, the air in north London was precipitated with anxiety, not aided by results and comments in recent weeks.

While the 'Conte Cam' clips from victories over Manchester City and Leeds got fans thumping their chests and leaping for joy in a similar manner to Antonio, emotional comments from the Italian over his future and the standing of the club have divided the club.

Most knew it would be a whirlwind affair when Conte succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this season, but the belittling of the squad and his own dreams of grandeur have been received with a mixed reception.

Is it a case of 'telling it like it is'? Is he genuinely frustrated with what the club does or does not have to offer? Is he simply trying to play the likes of Daniel Levy as he has at other clubs in the past?

Whatever way the wind blows, the 'I'm here to help' quote has seen plenty of airtime each week, though it doesn't hint at a long-term future for the Italian in north London.

But in the meantime, there are points to win and European qualification spots - whether it be the Champions League, Europa League, or - god forbid - Europa Conference League - to aim for, and Monday's clash with Everton was an excellent opportunity for Tottenham to make up some ground they had lost with defeats to the likes of Southampton, Wolves and Burnley.

It was a pretty poor start from the hosts. Spurs don't tend to press under Conte, but they allowed Everton too much of the ball to build their rhythm and had barely got into the game ten minutes in.

However, while Spurs have adopted the 'Dr Tottenham' monikor over the years, Everton are in a whole other world of hurt right now and it showed as they gifted the home side a barely deserved 2-0 lead, first through Michael Keane's own goal and then when Son's shot was allowed in by Jordan Pickford.

Further strikes from Harry Kane and Sergio Reguilon wrapped up a straightforward 5-0 victory for Spurs, though in truth it was less about Tottenham's excellence and more about Everton's dreadfulness. It was an absolutely honking performance from Frank Lampard's side, and one which will provoke serious questions over the Toffees' resistance against the threat of relegation.

After a tetchy beginning - one where Spurs didn't impress all that much - Everton opened the floodgates and allowed their hosts to march through. It was disgraceful, truth be told, but it should keep the emotional Conte a little calmer ahead of Saturday's clash against Manchester United.

It's at Old Trafford where they'll need to show some mettle against a United side who had their own weaknesses brutally exposed by Manchester City on Sunday.

Monday night's win will keep the fans happy, but consistency is key, and Spurs must not freeze on Saturday in what is a massive game in the hunt for the top four.

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