Everton displayed an attacking fervor rarely seen this season as they confused the meek challenge of Tottenham at Goodison Park.
The Toffees had scored just 15 goals in 20 games coming into this competition but added three in a pulsating first half as Spurs’ woes continued. Ange Postecoglou’s men did score twice later, but were second best for much of the contest.
Not for the first time in recent months, the visitors were a defensive mess and Everton were good enough to capitalise. Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave them the lead after 13 minutes, and a brilliant individual goal from Iliman Ndiaye doubled their lead inside the first half hour.
Archie Gray’s own goal in first-half stoppage time effectively ended the game as a contest and, although Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison pulled back, Everton stayed four points clear of the relegation zone.
The result will increase the pressure on Postecoglou with his side in 15th place, just one above Everton.
After David Moyes’ second start fell flat in midweek when Everton were beaten at home by Aston Villa, this was a much better performance from the hosts who deserved the three points.
DCL stars with a wonderful goal
Calvert-Lewin has been maligned a lot, but he showed some fine feet to give Everton the lead.
After being played in by Idrissa Gueye, Calvert-Lewin cut into Gray and then passed him again before firing past Antonin Kinski.
Spurs could have quickly leveled but James Tarkowski produced a brilliant tackle to keep out Son Heung-min before Jordan Pickford made a good save from the South Korean.
Calvert-Lewin showed why the previous goal was his first in 17 Premier League appearances with a terrific touch as he got through, allowing Kinsky to come out and smother and the young Czech excelled again a minute later with a brilliant save, pushing Gueye’s shot onto the post .
Everton scored a second goal after 30 minutes, which they deserved with their approach. Ndiaye picked up the ball in his own half, raced towards goal before fooling Radu Dragusin and firing 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
Unlucky Gray makes it 3-0
Spurs were reeling and it was no surprise when Everton scored again before the break.
Jesper Lindstrom crossed from the right, Tarkowski went back towards goal, Clavert-Lewin got a touch and Gray could only volley into his own net.
Postecoglou brought on ex-Everton striker Richarlison at half-time, but that initially did little to change the complexion of the game and Calvert-Lewin almost added a fourth after 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 curled a wonderful shot over the defenders.
Tottenham pulled one shot with the fine Dejan Kulusevski! 💥 pic.twitter.com/UMw0hVNOCi
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
And it got interesting when Richarlison headed Mikey Moore’s brilliant cross to the far post in stoppage time.
Tottenham couldn’t find an underserved equalizer though.
