Calvert-Lewin and Ndiaye score as Spurs’ woes continue

Everton produced a display of attacking verve rarely seen this season as they saw off a tame challenge from Tottenham at Goodison Park.

The Toffees had scored just 15 goals in 20 games in this competition 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 game.

Not for the first time in recent months, the visitors were defensive chaos and Everton were good enough to capitalise. Dominic Calvert-Lewin put them ahead in the 13th minute and a brilliant individual goal from Iliman Ndiaye doubled their lead on the half-hour mark.

An Archie Gray own goal in first-half stoppage time effectively ended the game as a contest and, although Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison pulled back, Everton held on 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 coming 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 much maligned but showed some lovely feet to give Everton the lead.

After being played in by Idrissa Gueye, Calvert-Lewin slotted into Gray and then went past again before firing past Antonin Kinsky.

Spurs could have leveled 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 first goal was his first in 17 Premier League appearances with a horrific touch when he was cleared to allow Kinsky to come out and smother, and the young Czech excelled again a minute later with a brilliant save, pushing away Gueye’s shot. in the mail

Everton got the second goal they deserved in the 30th minute. Ndiaye picked up the ball inside his own half, raced towards goal before fooling Radu Dragusin and firing high into the net.

“This is 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 on the move 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 took a touch and Gray could only volley into his own net.

Postecoglou introduced former Everton striker Richarlison at half-time but initially did little 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 to go. Pickford came out to close down James Maddison, who picked out Kulusevski, and the Swedish winger produced a fine chip cut over the covering defenders.

Tottenham pull one back through good play from Dejan Kulusevski! 💥 pic.twitter.com/UMw0hVNOCi

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 19, 2025

And it got interesting when Richarlison headed home Mikey Moore’s brilliant cross at the far post in injury time.

Tottenham couldn’t find an ill-served equalizer.