Three was a crowd as far as Tottenham were concerned. They had not convinced with the attacking trident of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Richarlison leading an incoherent charge against Everton during the first half. Spurs were at a numerical disadvantage in midfield and Everton, who are a much sturdier proposition under Frank Lampard this season, would have been 2-0 up at half-time if Amadou Onana and Demarai Gray had shown more composure in front of goal.
Yet the mood changed when Richarlison limped off in the 52nd minute. That was the moment when Antonio Conte bent the contest to his tactical will and reminded critics of his counterpunching approach that he knows more than a thing or two about football.
