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Harry Kane and Gylfi Sigurdsson both scored braces to ensure that Tottenham Hotspur and Everton shared the spoils in an exhilarating 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Friday.
The hosts lined up without top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is battling a groin problem. Tottenham Hotspur deployed a three-man defense, with Toby Alderweireld returning to the starting lineup at the expense of Lucas Moura.
A cagey start to the game saw both sides struggle to find their rhythm. However, it was Everton who had the first real chance when Richarlison was played through on goal. The Brazil international, however, shot straight at Hugo Lloris when he should arguably have done better.
The visitors made them pay soon after when Harry Kane showed great composure to control the ball before unleashing a pristine left-footed finish beyond the dive of Jordan Pickford.
Tottenham Hotspur's lead lasted just four minutes as Sergio Reguilon clumsily bundled into James Rodriguez, and Sigurdsson converted the ensuing spot-kick to restore parity on the half-hour mark.
There was still time in the first half for Lloris to pull off a stunning save from Rodriguez and ensure that both sides went into the break all square.
Tottenham Hotspur started the second half on the stronger foot and went close on two occasions through Heung-Min Son and Toby Alderweireld. Richarlison found the back of the net on the hour mark only for the linesman's flag to pull him up for offside.
There was no denying Everton just two minutes later, though, as a brilliant counter-attacking move saw Seamus Coleman send a delightful ball into the box, which Sigurdsson finished with an emphatic left-footed volley.
Interestingly, Coleman had been on the field for less than a minute, having replaced Alex Iwobi in the 61st minute.
The goal prompted Jose Mourinho to make changes of his own, with Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura both entering the fray.
The ping-pong nature of the game continued as Everton's lead lasted for just six minutes. Lamela's cross into the box was not properly dealt with, and Kane was on hand to draw Tottenham Hotspur level.
The goal took him to 164 goals in the Premier League and 7th on the all-time standings.
Kane hit the outside of the post soon after, and Richarlison had a perfect chance to win the game for Everton late on.
A pristine through-ball by James found Joshua King in the area, but Lloris pulled off a fine save to deny the Everton forward. The rebound fell to Richarlison on the six-yard line. However, the 23-year-old inexplicably blazed over.
On the overall balance of play, a draw was probably the right result, although it was far from the outcome that either side needed.
Here are five talking points from the game.
#5 Have Tottenham Hotspur's top-four hopes been extinguished?
It seems like eons ago, but as recently as November, Tottenham Hotspur were seemingly in the race for a maiden Premier League title.
However, a spectacular implosion since then has left the Lily Whites scraping for a top-four finish.
The north London outfit came into this game knowing that anything other than a win could put paid to their top-four hopes. Having gone ahead through Kane's well-taken opener, it seemed like they were on their way to three points.
However, Tottenham Hotspur have been characterized by a lack of spine this season, evidenced by the fact that only Brighton and Hove Albion have dropped more points from winning positions than them.
This is quite unlike any Mourinho teams in the past, and this draw made it three league games in a row when Spurs dropped points from winning positions.
Where it leaves them on the table is even more important. With just six games to go, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves four points behind the top four, having played a game more.
A win here would have seen them close the gap on Chelsea and West Ham. However, a failure to get the job done means that the White Hart Lane outfit have all but extinguished their hopes of making the top four.
#4 Impressive Gylfi Sigurdsson steps up to the plate
On his day, Gylfi Sigurdsson is unarguably one of the best attacking midfielders in the league.
However, the 31-year-old has been plagued by serious inconsistency. This has seen him drift in and out of Everton's starting lineup. Fortunately, injuries to midfield regulars saw him handed a start against his former side.
The Iceland international shone like a million stars against Tottenham Hotspur, with his brace helping Everton maintain their quest for European qualification.
He showed great composure to nervelessly convert from the spot in the first half, while the technique required for the second goal underlined his immense ability.
With the Toffees facing a testing end to the season, fans of the club will be hoping that Sigurdsson's performance against Tottenham Hotspur could reinvigorate him to lead their quest for European qualification.
#3 Substitutes step off the bench to make immediate impact for Tottenham Hotspur and Everton
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton had their substitutes to thank for the two goals scored in the second half.
In Everton's case, Coleman was introduced in place of Nigeria international Alex Iwobi, and it took less than a minute for the Irishman to make a mark.
His bombarding run forward saw him combine well with James Rodriguez. He then delivered a pristine cross for Sigurdsson to finish.
While the former Tottenham Hotspur man might get the plaudits for his exquisite finish, Coleman also deserves praise for the quality of his cross.
Erik Lamela was introduced in the immediate aftermath of Everton's second goal, and it was from his cross that Harry Kane was able to draw Tottenham Hotspur level.
#2 What were the Everton center-backs thinking?
The presence of a striker like Kane on the opposing team means that defenders have to be on guard for the full 90 minutes.
Kane's immense ability means he can create chances out of nothing, and it is foolhardy for him to be offered one on a plate. However, that was exactly what happened on Friday.
Both goals came as a result of defensive lapses while taking nothing away from the quality of the strikes.
The first saw the Tottenham Hotspur forward left in a world of space to control, turn and open the scoring after a defensive mix-up.
If that should have taught the Everton defenders a lesson, they apparently did not get the memo and committed an even bigger error in the buildup to the second goal.
Erik Lamela's cross into the box should have been routinely cleared by the hosts' defense. However, in comical scenes, Mason Holgate headed the ball into the air before Michael Keane, in turn, headed the ball into his partner's back.
The rebound fell kindly to Kane, who needed no second invitation to smash the ball into the net for the equalizer.
Although the Tottenham Hotspur number 10 deserves praise for his heroics, questions must be asked of why some Sunday league defending by Everton made it so easy for him.
#1 Harry Kane continues his march to be named PFA Player of the Year
Harry Kane has been Tottenham Hotspur's talisman for the better part of the last six years, and he once again highlighted just how important he is with a five-star performance against Everton.
His poacher instincts were in full glare for both goals. However, beyond being in the right place at the right time to take advantage, the technique and precision needed for the goals was top-notch.
Kane's brace took him to 21 Premier League goals for the season and two clear of nearest challenger Mo Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.
Incredibly, this is the 5th time the Tottenham Hotspur forward has hit 20+ in the Premier League, drawing level with the iconic duo of Sergio Aguero and Thierry Henry. Only the legendary Alan Shearer achieved this feat more times (seven).
It also took Harry Kane to 31 goals in all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur. When added to the fact that he currently sets the pace for assists provided, it is hard to look beyond the 27-year-old for the PFA Player of the Year award.
It was, however, a bittersweet night for the England international as he hobbled off in injury time with an apparent ankle injury. Tottenham Hotspur fans will surely be sweating on the fitness of their star man.
