Tottenham today stepped up their persuit of a Champions League place after beating rivals Everton 1-0 at White Hart Lane. Many would agree that for most of the game Everton were the better side, especially in the first half, with Leon Osman forcing Hugo Lloris to produce a great save after just seven minutes, and Kevin Mirallas missing a great oppertunity to score late on in the half. However, Spurs came out with a better attitude in the 2nd half and it was Emmanuel Adebayor who gave them the points, running on to a quickly taken free kick ahead of Everton’s sleeping back line and slotting home with 25 minutes still to play.
The game seemed far from over after the goal however as Everton refused to lie down, but Tottenham stood firm and came out on top. The win puts them a point above Everton and into 5th, but still three points behind Liverpool in fourth.
Tim Sherwood spoke to Sky Sports after the game,
“Yes, first half we struggled, but second half we adjusted, I don’t think they had a shot in the second half, so we did well. In the first half they created their fair share of chances, and Hugo (Lloris) had to be at his best, but in the second half we applied the pressure and came out with the points.”
Everton manager Roberto Martinez felt the result was harsh on his Everton side,
“It’s difficult to believe we got nothing at all out of the game, that’s the best way to put it. The first half we were comfortable and created many chances, but we couldn’t score. If we had scored the first goal you feel it would’ve been a much easier game but we couldn’t do it and paid the price. For the goal, one of the easiest things in the game is to keep your concentration but in that situation it’s really disappointing to see the ball in the back of the net because it’s a harsh way to lose a football game, and even though it’s a good spot from Kyle (Walker) our defenders should really have been on the ball and ready to defend a quick free kick, so no excuses.”
Everton’s pressing after the goal lasted right up to the final whistle, when Seamus Coleman went down in the box under a clumbsy challenge. However Mark Clattenburg waved the appeal away and Spurs secured the 3 points and 5th in league for now, and keep hot of the heals of Liverpool in the race for Champions League football next season.
By Ben Kelly
