And that’s how you make toffee, by caramelizing sugar.
The alchemy of it all, eh?
If you want a real act of Derren Brown type misdirection, try putting Erik Lamela into Google.
This is the man that broke our transfer fee record. And has made a whole 9 appearances for us.
“Hip/thigh injury” Physioroom.com tell us. “No return date” Physioroom.com tell us.
Here’s the prematch stats…
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Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by Hull at the KC Stadium last weekend as Tim Sherwood’s side ground out a point thanks to Paulinho’s second-half goal.
Michael Dawson continues to be superb at the back for Spurs this term. Not only does he lead the Tottenham squad by a distance for total defensive contributions (blocks, clearances, interceptions, tackles won) with 298, he’s also completed more passes in the opponent’s half than any other player in the top 10 in this category (340) according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
As evidenced last weekend, Paulinho certainly has the ability to pop up with the occasional goal from midfield, but it is in his defensive work that he has been excelling for Spurs this term. The Brazilian has a tackle success rate of 75.5% from 53 attempts so far this season, the second best rate in the Tottenham squad behind Mousa Dembele (92.7% from 55 challenges).
Emnnauel Adebayor has been in fine form since returning to the first team under Tim Sherwood, the Togolese striker taking some of the goal-scoring burden away from summer signing Roberto Soldado. Adebayor has racked up five goals so far this season, an excellent return from the 12 total shots he’s had so far.
Anyone who watches Tottenham will have noted how much Kyle Walker enjoys getting forward, the pacy right-back always searching for an opportunity to add extra impetus to Spurs’ attacks. Some of his passing statistics are nonetheless a surprise though, with Walker leading the Tottenham squad for total passes completed in the opponent’s half with 646 to his name.
A well-taken goal from Steven Naismith, combined with a stunning Kevin Mirallas free kick, gave Everton all three points as they beat Aston Villa 2-1 last time out. The win keeps Roberto Martinez’s side in the hunt for a Champions League spot but they face a Tottenham side with similar ambitions this weekend.
All Everton fans know that Mirallas is capable of some truly special football on his day, something the Belgian proved yet again last weekend. He has been a constant threat for the Toffees this term, ranking behind only Ross Barkley (99) in the Everton squad for total attacking contributions (assists, shots on goal, dribbles, crosses) with 97.
Gareth Barry has been a superb addition to the Everton engine room, providing stability and experience to the flair of the likes of Mirallas and Barkley. The England international has been key to almost all of the Toffees play in opposition territory this term and currently ranks third on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for passes completed in the opponent’s half with 747.
Leighton Baines continues to stake an impressive claim for the starting left-back berth for England this summer, the Everton stalwart consistently producing some of the best defensive statistics in the league. Not only had he won 85.5% of his 62 attempted challenges this season, he’s also racked up 496 completed passes in the opponent’s half.
The partnership of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin at the back for Everton continues to be a solid one. Between them they’ve combined for a superb 534 defensive contributions (blocks, interceptions, tackles won, clearances) this season.
