(Football news) Last week, Pep Guardiola’s team defeated Fluminense 4-0 to win the world championship; their hosts, however, are looking to win back after losing in the cup and the league two straight times.
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Toffees were hoping to win five straight Premier League games away from home for the first time ever and make it five games in a row with maximum points overall, Everton had the opportunity to write a new chapter in the club’s history.
But Richarlison, an old flame, put Tottenham ahead early on, and Son Heung-min doubled Spurs’ lead inside the first 20 minutes. Everton’s attempts were fruitless until an excellent finish by Andre Gomes in the 82nd minute.
Arnaut Danjuma, a former Tottenham loanee, narrowly missed two chances to steal a point in the closing seconds, but the Lilywhites tasted victory against the Toffees, whose celebrations were also somewhat marred by their EFL Cup quarterfinal loss to Fulham.
Sean Dyche’s team may feel proud of themselves for what they accomplished in North London, but the Toffees, who are currently in 16th place and may drop to 17th by Wednesday’s game, only have a four-point cushion between them and the drop zone after victories over Burnley and Luton Town over the weekend.
But Everton has emerged victorious from their last two Goodison Park Premier League games against Chelsea and Newcastle United, having lost their opening four home games of the new season. In those 180 minutes of play, the team has scored five goals and given up zero.
It took just three hours for Manchester City to take the world by storm in the Middle East as well. After a triumphant trip to Saudi Arabia, Guardiola’s team easily defeated Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semifinal before facing Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense in the international showcase.
Though praiseworthy for their daring style of play, Manchester City’s double from Julian Alvarez, the tap-in from Phil Foden, and an own goal from Nino saw them defeat their opponents and win the world club championship for the first time—a moment that Guardiola referred to as the “closing of the circle.”
The world, English, and European champions are back in the Premier League and will be playing with renewed energy after suffering a heartbreaking 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, where they let a two-goal lead slip away in front of an enraged Etihad crowd.
Also read: Chelsea will play Crystal Palace in EPL
