The Big Match Revisited - Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

In a game that did have the feel of two struggling sides, Everton and Tottenham played out a draw as Cenk Tosun scored late leveller after a Dele Alli goal gave Spurs the lead.
Everton were given a huge boost before kick off when Harry Kane was not included in the Tottenham squad. Given I'd predicted Kane to score, I certainly had no idea that he wasn't going to be involved.

The first half lacked any real quality. Theo Walcott was a threat down the right side for Everton, almost getting beyond Spurs' defence on a few occasions, and Tottenham having zero shots on target. Martin Atkinson did try his best to not endear himself to the Everton crowd with many questionable calls going in the opposition's favour.

VAR did grace us with its presence in ridiculous fashion. Son theatrically went down after contact from Mina and Atkinson said no. VAR had a look, told Atkinson no penalty but then told the ref that they needed to look again. A new bizarre turn of events from VAR.

Tottenham never threatened and Everton were in control but in typical Everton fashion, they would be their own downfall. Iwobi passed straight to Son who slid in Alli to put Spurs ahead. Alli has been heavily criticised over the past year or two but he has two goals in his past three games and may just beginning to find his old self.

VAR reared its ugly head again when Alli was accused of handling in his area. The technology is meant to deal with clear and obvious errors so if the official has to look at many replays for two-odd minutes, it shouldn't be given. No penalty given.

Neither side looked like scoring but the game was marred by a serious looking injury to Andre Gomes. He was fouled by Son and then collided with Aurier. Players immediately signalled to the bench that this was worrying for Gomes. When Seamus Coleman was gesturing and he has suffered a broken leg injury, then it can only be bad news.

It is distressing for players to see fellow colleagues down in such pain, as Son began to cry and Aurier prayed. Son's tackle was not dangerous and he did not deserve to be sent off. He was booed off and so was Aurier when he was substituted. I wish all the best to Andre Gomes.

The severity of the injury meant there was a lengthy stoppage in play and when the fourth official held up 12 added minutes, it gave hope to Everton fans that they could salvage an equaliser, especially with a man advantage. And they did.

Everton, perhaps doing so for Andre Gomes, pushed hard and got what they wanted. Digne whipped in a magnificent ball and substitute Tosun was in the right place to score. Due to the circumstances surrounding the match, a draw was probably deserved.

A draw doesn't really help anybody. Tottenham are still 11th and Everton remain in 17th place. A win would've propelled either side up the table but a stalemate means both sides' current bad form continues.


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