Dan Carter

Sat 3 February 2024 14:30, UK

Everton made it six games without a win in the Premier League but earned a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Saturday 3 February.

The Toffees were far from poor against Ange Postecoglou’s side, but two moments of magic from Richarlison in the first half seemed to have given the away team all three points, until Jarrad Branthwaite rose like a salmon to head home a late equaliser.

The draw helps Everton climb out of the relegation zone for now, but Luton Town could drag them straight back into the dropzone if they manage to claim all three points at Newcastle United.

Goodison News have rated the players out of 10;

Jordan Pickford – 7

The England number one could do little about either goal from Richarlison and while he did take too long on the ball and put his team under pressure, he more than made up for that with a number of superb saves particularly in the second half. You have to wonder where Everton would be without him.

Ben Godfrey – 6

A second consecutive start and like at Fulham the 26-year-old grew into the game. Neither goal was directly his fault, but both of Richarlison’s first-half strikes came from his side. Wonderful tackle to deny Timo Werner a clear opportunity in the second half, but also pulled off one of the most disgraceful dives in the first half. A mixed bag.

James Tarkowski – 7

Wonderful header back across the box to help Everton score their first goal as he continued to carry a threat from set-pieces. Created more chances for his teammates than any other player on Dyche’s side. Could do little to prevent either goal.

Jarrad Branthwaite – 8

While the 21-year-old was far from poor, it just felt as though he didn’t produce the sort of performance we’ve come to expect from the Everton centre-back. But then, he turned up with that magnificent late header. He may not have been perfect but he stood up when it mattered and nodded the Toffees to an important point.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 6

Kept the tricky Pedro Porro quiet with some excellent defensive interventions, but his involvement in the game faded massively as he did very little to help the Toffees creatively. Only completed one cross in the entirety of the game and left Dwight McNeil incredibly isolated on the left flank.

Ashley Young – 6

Saw plenty of the ball in the final third, but was unable to make many of his crosses count as he repeatedly picked out the first man or overhit beyond everyone in the box. Was strong defensively and showed why Dyche is so keen to start him, but needs to be more effective going forward.

Idrissa Gueye – 8

Back from the AFCON and his energy was a welcome sight in the Toffees’ midfield as he spread the ball around the field and covered almost every blade of grass. Broke up play well and completed almost every chance he could, but lacks that attacking edge to create a chance.

James Garner – 7

Got stuck in with plenty of duels and managed to break up play incredibly effectively. Looked more comfortable with Gueye next to him, but felt like the pair were missing the slightly more attacking threat of Abdoulaye Doucoure just ahead of them. Was slightly fortunate to not give away a penalty when holding Micky van de Ven from a corner but would have been an incredibly harsh penalty.

Dwight McNeil – 4

A poor showing from the winger who barely seemed to get involved in proceedings. Was repeatedly far too slow on the ball and while he created a couple of half chances, he almost seemed off of the pace and was dispossessed far too easily. He has shown he can do better in an Everton shirt and the Toffees need him to rediscover his form.

Jack Harrison – 6

Inadvertently stole Calvert-Lewin’s goal as the ball collided with his shin on the way into the net. Didn’t manage to create too much with what he saw of the ball in that more central position and almost seemed lost in the more central role as he was so often bypassed. He can be a difference maker for the Toffees but wasn’t today. The accidental goal saved him.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6

It had seemed as though the goal drought had finally ended, only for the strike to go down as Harrison’s following a minor touch from the Everton winger. Still, Calvert-Lewin seemed much more confident and put in a battling performance. Did fade throughout the game and seemed isolated and less effective as the game wore on.

Subs

Seamus Coleman – N/A

Youseff Chermiti – N/A

Tottenham increase Everton relegation fears

Everton will be looking over their shoulder now more than ever as relegation is becoming a real possibility.

The Toffees cannot play that well and not claim all three points. They are effective defensively, but they still don’t have that creative edge to be able to produce goals at the top end of the pitch. Why they didn’t keep putting corners into the area boggles the mind.

Luckily, Branthwaite’s header proved to be a rescue act. A point is good enough, but the Toffees could have and maybe should have claimed all three points.

In other Everton news, one business journalist has said it will be “impossible” for the Toffees to plan for the summer transfer window

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