Everton produced a display of attacking verve rarely seen this season as they swept aside the meek challenge of Tottenham at Goodison Park.
The Toffees had scored just 15 goals in 20 games coming into this contest but added three in a pulsating first half as Spurs’ woes continued. Ange Postecoglou’s men did score twice late on but were second best for much of the contest.
Not for the first time in recent months, the visitors were a defensive shambles and Everton were good enough to capitalise. Dominic Calvert-Lewin put them ahead after 13 minutes and a brilliant individual goal from Iliman Ndiaye doubled their advantage on the half hour mark.
An own goal from Archie Gray in first-half stoppage time effectively ended the game as a contest and, although Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison pulled goals back, Everton held on to move four points clear of the relegation zone.
The result will heap 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 by Aston Villa, this was a much better performance from the hosts, who were deserving of the three points.
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DCL stars with wonderful goal
Calvert-Lewin has been much maligned but he showed lovely feet to give Everton the lead.
Having been played in by Idrissa Gueye, Calvert-Lewin stepped inside Gray and then past him again before firing past Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs could have levelled 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 earlier goal was his first in 17 Premier League appearances with an awful touch when clean through, enabling Kinsky to come out and smother, and the young Czech excelled again a minute later with a brilliant save, pushing Gueye’s shot on to the post.
Everton did get the second goal their approach deserved after 30 minutes. Ndiaye picked the ball up inside his own half, surged towards goal before tricking Radu Dragusin and firing high into the net.
“That’s a MAGIC moment.” 🪄
Iliman Ndiaye what a goal! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q9byZ92x1d
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
Unfortunate 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 back 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 did pull one back with 13 minutes to go. Pickford came out to close down James Maddison, who picked out Kulusevski, and the Sweden winger produced a lovely clipped chip over the covering defenders.
Tottenham pull one back through a fine Dejan Kulusevski dink! 💥 pic.twitter.com/UMw0hVNOCi
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025
And it became interesting when Richarlison turned home Mikey Moore’s brilliant cross at the far post in stoppage time.
Tottenham could not find an underserved equaliser though.
