Everton produced a display of attacking dynamism rarely seen this season as they saw off Tottenham’s mild challenge at Goodison Park.
The Toffees had scored just 15 goals in 20 games going into this match but added three in a pulsating first half as Spurs’ woes continued. Ange Postecoglou’s men scored twice late on but were second best for much of the match.
Not for the first time in recent months, the visitors were defensive and Everton were good enough to take advantage. Dominic Calvert-Lewin put them in front after 13 minutes and a brilliant individual goal from Iliman Ndiaye doubled their advantage on the half hour.
An own goal from Archie Gray in first-half stoppage time effectively ended the game as a contest and, although Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison scored, Everton kept four points clear of the relegation zone.
The result will put more pressure on Postecoglou with his side in 15th place, just one above Everton.
After the second coming of David Moyes fell flat in midweek when Everton were beaten at home to Aston Villa, this was a much better performance from the hosts, who deserved the three points.
DCL stars with a great goal
Calvert-Lewin has been much abused but showed great feet to give Everton the lead.
With Idrissa Gueye played in, Calvert-Lewin got inside Gray and then passed him again before firing past Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs could have leveled quickly but James Tarkowski produced a brilliant tackle to deny Son Heung-min before Jordan Pickford saved well from the South Korean.
Calvert-Lewin showed why his previous goal was his first in 17 Premier League appearances with a terrific touch when clear, allowing Kinsky to come out and smother, and the young Czech excelled again a minute later with a superb save , pushing Gueye’s shot. in position.
Everton got the second goal they deserved after 30 minutes. Ndiaye picked up the ball in his own half, raced towards goal before outwitting Radu Dragusin and firing high into the net.
“This is a MAGIC moment.” 🪄
Iliman Ndiaye what a goal! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q9byZ92x1d
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
Unlucky Gray makes it 3-0
Spurs were rocking and it was no surprise when Everton scored again before the break.
Jesper Lindstrom crossed from the right, Tarkowski headed home, Clavert-Lewin took a touch and Gray could only volley into his own net.
Postecoglou introduced former Everton striker Richarlison at half-time but it did not change the look of the game initially and Calvert-Lewin almost added a fourth from Lindstrom’s cross.
Tottenham pulled one back with 13 minutes to go. Pickford came out to close down James Maddison, who picked out Kulusevski, and the Swedish winger chipped in superbly over the defenders.
Tottenham pull one back from a good Dejan Kulusevski dink! 💥 pic.twitter.com/UMw0hVNOCi
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
And it got interesting when Richarlison turned Mikey Moore’s superb cross at the far post in stoppage time.
However, Tottenham could not find an equaliser.
