Harry Kane was the standout performer as Tottenham Hotspur played out a 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Friday.
The game was off to an uneventful start, with chances coming few and far between, as neither side really managed to trouble the respective goalkeepers. Tottenham, though, went on to break the deadlock in the 27th minute when Harry Kane produced a brilliant close range finish, pouncing on an error by Michael Keane before handing his side the lead.
Shortly after, however, Everton put the game back on level terms, as Gylfi Sigurdsson converted from the spot after Sergio Reguilon had brought James Rodriguez down inside the Spurs box. This is when the hosts started to push further and looked the better of the two sides thereafter before going on to go ahead just past the hour mark.
Sigurdsson was on target once again as he doubled his tally with a peach of a finish from Seamus Coleman’s cut-back. The Toffees’ lead did not last long, though, as Kane produced another top class finish to make it 2-2. Both sides came close to scoring late on, but in the end, the spoils were shared in a result that does not help either Everton or Tottenham. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Jose Mourinho’s men.
Hugo Lloris: 7/10
The only other player apart from Harry Kane who came out of the match with some credit. Lloris was a major reason why Everton did not bury the game, making big saves to deny Richarlison and James Rodriguez in the first half before denying Joshua King late on to preserve the point. Could not have done anything to deny Gylfi Sigurdsson. Top work from the Tottenham captain, though.
Toby Alderweireld: 5/10
A difficult evening for Alderweireld, who struggled against Richarlison at times, and was guilty of letting the Brazilian drift past him before he tested Lloris. His lack of pace is starting to become too evident now, although the Belgian international did make as many as six clearances. Has to do better on the ground duels, though.
Joe Rodon: 6/10
A decent display by Rodon, who was the best Tottenham defender on the night, although that does not say much. Having said that, the youngster did win each of the 6 duels he contested, while also completing 2 interceptions, tackles and clearances each. Not in position to stop Sigurdsson from scoring his second, though.
Eric Dier: 6/10
After the disastrous performance against Manchester United, Dier was much-improved at Everton, although there is still a long way to go before he can be deemed convincing. The English defender, though, looked much more at home in the back three than he has been in a back four. However, he should have closed down Seamus Coleman in the build-up to Sigurdsson’s second.
Serge Aurier: 4/10
Deployed as a right wing-back, which really should have played to his strengths. However, Aurier was a liability for Tottenham in both the phases of the game, struggling to put a lid on Lucas Digne while hardly carrying a threat when going down the right flank. Had a paltry 68 percent passing rate to boot, in what was a poor display by the Ivorian.
Moussa Sissoko: 5/10
Starting in a double pivot alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Sissoko failed to impress as Everton ran around him with ease for much of the game. When he did finally see the ball, the Frenchman kept things simple, but he needed to do much more to hand Tottenham the initiative in the game.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 5/10
Much like his midfield partner, this was a game to forget for Hojbjerg, who has not produced many poor performances this season. Against Everton, however, the Dane struggled to get a grip on the game, with the hosts dominating the proceedings for large parts. A tad bit sloppy in possession as well, losing the ball as many as 14 times, which really did not help his or Tottenham’s cause.
Sergio Reguilon: 4/10
Spurs fans seeing Reguilon defend pic.twitter.com/MZsY6NTC67
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) April 16, 2021
Things have really gone pear-shaped for Reguilon lately and on Friday, he was far from his best once again. The Spaniard struggled to contain Coleman leading up to both the Everton goals and he was adjudged to have fouled James Rodriguez for the penalty that Sigurdsson converted in the first half, although the decision appeared to be rather contentious. Hardly carried a threat either, having a dreadful 60 percent passing rate.
Tanguy Ndombele: 5/10
Restored in the no. 10 role, Ndombele had the freedom to roam around the pitch to express himself but also put in the hard yards when off the ball. In reality, the Frenchman did neither, failing with each of his take-on attempts while losing possession a staggering 19 times and failing to help out in the defensive phase. The only positive was that it was his cross that eventually found its way to Kane for the opener.
Son Heung-min: 6/10
The Player to Watch in our Preview, it was not the most memorable of outings for Son, who did not get into the scoring positions as frequently as he usually does. More creative this time around and played as many as 3 key passes, although he was wasteful in possession as well, as a result, losing the ball 21 times.
Harry Kane: 9/10
Players to score 2⃣0⃣ goals in a Premier League season 5⃣ times:
Alan Shearer
Thierry Henry
Sergio Aguero
And now Harry Kane ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/x2HXoIDq3C— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 16, 2021
The one Tottenham player who can leave Goodison Park with his head held high, Kane did all that he could to sway the result in favour of the visitors. The finish and control for both of his goals were simply exquisite, as he pounced on a couple of defensive errors by Everton to score poacher’s goals. Came close to scoring once again late on, only for his header to hit the woodwork. Taken off with a worrisome injury.
SUBSTITUTES
Erik Lamela: 6/10
A lively cameo from Lamela, who was involved when Kane scored his second of the night. Pushed forward with intent while misplacing just 2 of his attempted passes. Came close to scoring as well, but might have done enough to warrant a start next time around.
Lucas Moura: 5/10
Unlike Lamela, Moura hardly got a look-in after replacing Reguilon, managing just 11 touches on the ball. Having said that, he could have easily grabbed an assist when Kane’s header from his cross hit the woodwork.
Dele Alli: N/A
A late introduction in place of an injured Kane, Alli was barely on the field ahead of the full-time whistle.
