View from our legends | Everton
New for this season, a matchday preview digging into the knowledge of the people who have seen it all for us - our legends.
Next up, Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and two legends who need no introduction - David Howells, 1991 FA Cup winner who broke through when Everton were champions in the mid-1980s and the one and only Robbie Keane, who scored his first hat-trick for us against the Toffees back in 2003 - three of his 122 goals in Lilywhite.
David Howells
335 appearances, 27 goals, 1986-1998
"I felt we should have won at Forest. We were the better team, especially at the start of the second half, we had a 20-minute spell where we really took the game to Forest. If we'd have scored in those moments, then I definitely think we would have gone on and won the game. However, a point away from home, especially at a place where we've not had a great record in the last couple of years, we'll take that and move on. It's a starting board to go on to better things. I really think this weekend is a great opportunity for us. I think Everton were a bit fortunate against Manchester United, who should have killed them off a bit earlier in that game, I feel. There's no doubt Everton have a threat this season with Thierno Barry up top, the firepower. pace and strength that he's got, I think that's something we'll have to be aware of, but the one who stood out for me on Saturday for them was Tyrique George. He's got a little bit of magic, took his goal really well and looked a threat all the way through. Brennan Johnston on the other side, we know really well, it would be great to welcome Brennan back, although he may not start, depending on whether Jack Grealish is ready to go. It's a game that I feel we can really take to Everton, try and exploit spaces in behind their defence. I feel like Tarkowski and Branthwaite, as good defenders as they are in duels, challenges, heading, i think on the turn we might be able to exploit areas in behind with our pace up top. So, I'm really hopeful that we can do that And my prediction is that we go and win the game 2-0. I think an early goal will settle everybody down - hopefully Omar Mahmoush can get off and running with a goal. I think there's definitely goals in him and with another week's training behind him, same as Savio, I think they're ready to really come to the party. I think our team as a whole will show even more signs of gelling and hopefully this weekend is the start of a really good run."
Robbie Keane
122 goals in 306 appearances - 2002-2011
First Spurs hat-trick vs Everton - 9 January, 2003
"Hopefully, Tottenham get a win on the board and winning at home, that's vital, that home form. I think you need to really make this stadium a fortress and make it difficult for teams. If you look at the amount of players that they've brought in, it does take time. It's not going to just happen overnight. Even though they know each other, they've played against each other, it's completely different when you're actually playing with someone, because you learn different things about them, different kinds of movements and what they want. So, I'd be a little bit more patient because, as I said, for them to integrate with each other, it could take a little bit of time. On Everton, I was actually with Jack Grealish recently. I'm friends with Jack. He came on against United, alongside Hayden Hackney, and I think they changed that game brought a lot of energy to the team (Everton drew 2-2 with a late equaliser). They've got Dewsbury-Hall, who I really like. I think they're a good team. You know what David Moyes is all about. He always has his team solid, difficult to beat, difficult to break down, so by no means is this going to be an easy game. I think the only thing that goes against Everton is they don't really have an out-and-out striker, but they still have dangerous players who can hurt you. The first goal could be big. Get ahead, get the crowd on your side. That's important."
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