Spurs 2–2 Everton: Player Ratings

A very spirited display left us rueing what might have been as a dogged Everton held us to a draw. Adebayor had his first great game for a long time and players like Holtby, Walker and Sigurdsson also impressed. A point doesn’t help us too much in the table; but the manner in which we got it, with Bale, Lennon, Defoe, Kaboul, Gallas and Sandro all injured, will give the team immense heart and confidence going into Switzerland and the rest of the season.

Hugo Lloris – 7 – As usual, a very composed and confident display from the Frenchman. Poor positioning for the first goal; but our defence shouldn’t be allowing headers to be won on the edge of our 6 yard box. A couple of excellent stops, particularly from Anichebe late on.

Kyle Walker – 8 – An excellent game from the under pressure full-back, showing great attacking promise – particularly for our equaliser – and solid in defence. Proving that he is the best right-back in the Tottenham squad.

Michael Dawson – 7 – Had a tough challenge in the air up against Anichebe but handled him very well, winning the majority of headers and generally nullifying his threat.

Steven Caulker – 6 – Largely anonymous – but that is supposed to be a good thing for a defender. Solid.

Jan Vertonghen – 6 – Struggled a bit today, partly to blame for each of the Everton goals. However, an unbelievably good cross for Adebayor’s goal in the first minute lifts him to a 6.

Scott Parker – 7 – Very good today, getting the ball moving in midfield and breaking up Everton attacks effectively. Inconsistent since his injury, but this was definitely one of his better days.

Mousa Dembele – 7 – Another good performance from the Moose, setting the pace in midfield and getting our attacks going. Very unlucky not to score a deflected strike which hit the bar.

Clint Dempsey – 5 – Did absolutely nothing, got booked for diving. Not the best afternoon for the American, but it doesn’t make him a bad player – he has been a decent servant for the club this season.

Lewis Holtby – 7 – I don’t understand how this man can run around so much and yet last 90 minutes. Every single throw-in, he would sprint towards the taker and provide an option, and he linked up well with Adebayor and Sigurdsson.

Gylfi Sigurdsson – 7 – Another good performance capped off with a goal; he did well to get to the ball first for his strike. Always looks like a threat when he has the ball, and I can’t wait for him to get going next season.

Emmanuel Adebayor – 9 – A superb performance from our favourite Togolese person ever. Not just the well-taken goal, but the sheer work rate and desire, running to get the ball for every Everton goal-kick, was admirable. If he plays like this every week, then who needs a new striker?

Substitutes:

Tom Huddlestone – 7 – Considerable derision when this man came on for Dembele, but he was largely (get it?) very impressive. A great ‘quarterback’ display, pinging balls out to the wings and generally dictating the play.

Tom Carroll – 6 – Didn’t have do much to influence the game but did get some passes going.

So, whilst it is a disappointing result on the surface, there are a lot of positives to take from it. We were missing 6 first team and experienced players, yet we held our own against Champions League hopefuls and crucially, showed the desire and willingness to try to win the game. A LOT of promise for the coming weeks.