Dimitar Berbatov has likened the bust-up between Hugo Lloris and Son Heung-min to something that happened during his time at Manchester United and believes it was just what the doctor ordered for Tottenham
Jose Mourinho's men returned to winning ways thanks to Giovani Lo Celso's heavily deflected first-half effort.
But while the action at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium wasn't exactly riveting on Monday night, there was one particular flashpoint that has made the headlines.
At the end of the first half, Lloris clashed with Son, the pair shouting at each other in close proximity before being ushered away by teammates.
They were later pictured hugging as they left the tunnel after the half-time break, and Berbatov believes bust-ups between teammates can turn out to be a positive.
“To be honest I was happy with the Spurs’ result against Everton, sometimes you just need grit to progress,” he told Betfair.
“When I was at United and we became champions, we won most games 1-0 consistently, it's the most important result in football. Three points equal three points, no matter how you get them.
“Son and Lloris' bust-up was nothing, the desire to be a winner is always high and we should see this more often from Spurs players, it shows you care, you want to win, and you have the fire to do it.
“If players aren't doing their job, they need to let each other know, even if they fight a little bit. In a way, Mourinho is right, and it was a beautiful thing to see.
“The only issue is that we, the fans, also saw it, and maybe it would have been better in the dressing room, but overall it's good to see the fire there.“There were many fiery players when I was playing, everyone wanted to win. If the ref was a coach, you could bust-up with them, with other players, there were fights often broken up.
“It was like this a lot at United when Vidic was kicking someone and didn’t care, you would argue and fight, but afterwards you know it's OK. We all wanted to win, and we knew that of each other.
“If I did something wrong, Giggsy would tell me, and I would say to myself 'come on now'. Patrice was in a bust-up a few times, Vidic also, it was mostly defenders as they're the tough ones.
“I don't remember the last time Spurs did that, they have been very controlled with no anger. It was a pleasant surprise, I was like 'finally', he is captain and that is his job to let them know to be better.
“Again, maybe wait for the dressing room, but at that moment it can be an uncontrollable impulse. it was passionate, it was necessary, and when it comes from you captain you take it on the chin and do better next time.”
