Ronald Koeman highlights the biggest difference between Everton and Tottenham

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Everton were beaten 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has told the Liverpool Echo that he feels the big difference between his side and Tottenham Hotspur is that this Spurs side have been together for years, whereas Everton are a fairly new line-up.

Koeman saw his Everton side come up well short against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, as Harry Kane’s cross ended up deceiving goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and nestling in the back of the net.

Christian Eriksen capitalised on slack defending, particularly from Cuco Martina, to smash home a second goal before half time, and Kane bagged his second after the break, converting Ben Davies’ cross from close range.

Everton were completely outmatched and outclassed throughout, and fans have been particularly concerned by the manner of the defeat, given that the Toffees looked disorganised at the back – something rarely seen from a Koeman side.

With just two goals in four Premier League games – both by Wayne Rooney – Everton’s start to the season hasn’t quite gone to plan, but with two tough away games at Manchester City and Chelsea followed up by Saturday’s visit of Tottenham, it’s been a tough schedule so far.

Signings from the summer spending spree, such as Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Sandro Ramirez and Rooney, are still learning to play together – and that’s what Koeman is chalking Saturday’s gulf down to.

Koeman has spoken to the Liverpool Echo about Saturday’s defeat, and claims that there is a huge difference between the two teams – the fact that Tottenham have kept more or less the same set of key players for a number of years, whereas Everton are attempting to form a team after so many signings.

“If you look at the second half we are really far away,” said Koeman. “If you look at the first 30 minutes it’s different. But the difference between Everton and Tottenham is that they have worked a long time together now. And it’s not realistic to expect that Everton are already at that level,” he added.

The likes of Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane are heading into their third season all together at Spurs, and whilst Everton may be some way behind Tottenham right now, they will hope to close the gap in the coming years under Koeman.