Everton 2 Tottenham 2
Sean Dyche’s side were desperate for points as they welcomed Tottenham to Goodison Park. The visitors were looking to cement their place in the top four as they chase qualification for next season’s Champions League competition.
It could not have got off to a worse start for The Toffees as a cross from Udogie was smashed into the back of the net by Richarlison. He ran off to celebrate, as he did in North London, then his delayed memory reminded him of who used to pay his wages and acted in a sombre manner.
Weirdly, the Brazilian then bowed to the Everton fans. Still not sure whether he was apologising for his initial celebration or whether he actually idolises them as a religious figure. Either way, it had all gone rather quiet in Merseyside, apart from the away end.
Richarlison turned provider as he played in Maddison. With defenders standing off, the midfielder went for the far corner but his effort deflected behind for a corner. With ten minutes played, Everton fans held up signs in protest for Premier League sanctions for something they admitted to.
Credit: @SpursOfficial
You have got to love the passion of the Everton fans for their continuing hatred towards the Premier League and how they were deducted ten points. However, their gripe should be with their owners and board who seemed unable to do basic accounting.
The Toffees managed to force their first corner of the game which was headed back across goal by Tarkowski for Calvert Lewin to head home. Vicario claimed for a free kick which seems to be his standard ‘get out of jail free’ card when his goalkeeping is poor.
Just as it looked like the Everton striker has scored his first goal since transatlantic flight became possible, the goal was credited to Jack Harrison as it clipped him on the way through. Devastating news for their sarong-wearing striker.
Just before the interval, Dyche’s side were to be haunted by the ghost of Christmas past once again. Maddison shifted the ball into the path of Richarlison, who bent the ball brilliantly into the top corner. He even remembered not to celebrate this time.
Tottenham look really exposed at set pieces and Everton nearly capitalised before the break. This time the header was firstly blocked by Vicario with his legs before he then reacted well to kick the ball clear of the goal. Fine margins for The Toffees.
The visitors almost crafted a third as Kulusevski laid it in the path of Richarlison. The striker got his shot away but Pickford made a great stop to deny him. The former Everton striker almost got his first hat trick in senior football, but it was not to be.
Credit: @premierleague
In the final stages of the game, two substitutes combined for the hosts. Dobbin bent in a brilliant cross, right into the path of Chermiti. The young forward looked as though he forgot how legs worked as he got all tangled up and hit a tame effort straight at Vicario.
Seven minutes of added time gave Everton fans some late hope. Beto seemed more like Bambi on ice than a big striker as he spent more time on the ground than his feet. The referee was not interested in any of his protests for a foul.
In the 94th minute, as a free kick was swung in from out wide, Romero flicked it on before Branthwaite bundled it over the line. Goodison Park erupted but then came the nervous wait of a VAR check for offside.
Fortunately for Sean Dyche’s side, the goal stood and relief was evident on the faces of players and fans alike. Both teams shared the points and it took Everton out of the bottom three, albeit temporarily if results did not go their way later in the day.
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