Everton produced a display of attacking verve rarely seen this season as they swept aside a gentle challenge from Tottenham at Goodison Park.
The Toffees had scored just 15 goals in 20 games before this competition, but added three in a thrilling first half as Spurs’ woes continued. Ange Postecoglou’s men scored twice late on but were second for much of the contest.
It’s not the first time in recent months that the visitors have been a defensive disaster and Everton have been good enough to capitalize. Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave them the lead after 13 minutes and a brilliant individual goal from Iliman Ndiaye doubled their advantage on the half hour mark.
An Archie Gray own goal in first-half stoppage time effectively ended the game and, although Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison pulled goals back, Everton held on to pull away by four points from the relegation zone.
The result will put even more pressure on Postecoglou with his side in 15th place, just one above Everton.
After David Moyes’ second coming failed in midweek when Everton were beaten at home by Aston Villa, this was a much better performance from the hosts, who deserved all three points.
DCL plays with magnificent purpose
Calvert-Lewin was much maligned but he showed some fine feet to give Everton the lead.
After being played by Idrissa Gueye, Calvert-Lewin entered Gray then passed him again before shooting past Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs could have equalized quickly, but James Tarkowski made a brilliant tackle to deny Son Heung-min before Jordan Pickford saved well from the South Korean.
Calvert-Lewin showed why his earlier goal was his first in 17 Premier League matches with a horrific touch on a crisp pass, allowing Kinsky to step out and smother, and the young Czech excelled again a minute later with a brilliant save, pushing away Gueye’s shot. at the post.
Everton scored the second goal their approach deserved after 30 minutes. Ndiaye collected the ball in his own half, rushed towards goal before beating Radu Dragusin and shooting high into the net.
“It’s a MAGICAL moment.” 🪄
Iliman Ndiaye what a goal! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q9byZ92x1d
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
The unfortunate Gray makes it 3-0
Spurs were in fine form and it was no surprise when Everton scored again before the break.
Jesper Lindstrom crossed from the right, Tarkowski headed towards goal, Clavert-Lewin got a touch and Gray could only volley into his own net.
Postecoglou introduced former Everton striker Richarlison at half-time, but it did little initially to alter the complexion of the game and Calvert-Lewin almost added a fourth from a Lindstrom cross.
Tottenham pulled one back with 13 minutes remaining. Pickford came out to close down James Maddison, who picked out Kulusevski, and the Swedish winger produced a nice chip cut over the defenders covering them.
Tottenham pull one back thanks to a good dink from Dejan Kulusevski! 💥 pic.twitter.com/UMw0hVNOCi
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
And it got interesting when Richarlison pushed away Mikey Moore’s brilliant cross at the back post in added time.
Tottenham, however, failed to find a poorly served equalizer.
