In the dying moments of injury time, Jarrad Branthwaite netted a thrilling equalizer, complementing Richarlison’s two goals and securing a crucial Premier League point for Everton in their match against Tottenham.
The hosts appeared destined for a humiliating loss, but in the 94th minute, defender Branthwaite’s goal at the back post transformed their sadness to happiness.
Due to the outcome, Luton’s trip to Newcastle later on Saturday temporarily lifts the Toffees out of the relegation zone on goal differential.
Before that late equalizer, an impressive double in front of the Gwladys Street End gave the impression that the in-form Richarlison was ready to return and haunt his former side.
Richarlison scored a beautiful volley from eight yards out after Destiny Udogie dragged the ball out for the visitors, and when the hosts leveled, he curled in a delicious second from the edge of the box. It took the visitors just four minutes to break through the Toffees defense.
Everton had improved in between those goals and Dominic Calvert-Lewin nodded over the crossbar before the striker’s header from close range flicked in off Jack Harrison for the leveller.
Sean Dyche’s side went in search for another equaliser and substitute Youssef Chermiti came close late on before Branthwaite bundled in to bring much-needed relief.
Richarlison receives Everton respect despite Spurs double
Spurs faced concerns during a dismal run in November and December after a stellar start under Postecoglou, when they lost four and drew one.
After that, they appeared to have found newfound strength and were leading Everton to their sixth league victory in eight games, but they were again bedeviled by old mistakes.
They lost the opportunity to tie the leaders, Manchester City and Arsenal, on 46 points and re-enter the title fight as a result of the draw.
However, a former Evertonian appeared to be the game-changing factor for a large portion of it with his deft finishing touch.
Richarlison, a striker from Brazil, moved to north London for a reported £60 million in July 2022, but he has struggled since, scoring just two goals in his first 39 league outings.
However, it appears that he has finally found his feet as he has scored nine goals in his last eight league games, including his second goal here with a wonderful curling strike from outside the box.
Rather than celebrating any of his goals, Richarlison made an apology gesture to the home crowd, who responded with cheers.
Jordan Pickford’s excellent save kept him from scoring a hat-trick in the second half, and the England international’s subsequent saves were crucial.
Before passionately celebrating Branthwaite’s score, Pickford made fantastic saves to thwart James Maddison twice and stop Pedro Porro’s stinging effort.
Late goal could kick-start season
After yet another pre-match protest about their 10-point deduction, Everton gained a point that made everyone in the stadium ecstatic.
Even though Branthwaite’s squad is still without a win as they battle relegation, his late goal could inspire them to start the season strong.
Remarkably, Everton has only defeated Spurs once in their previous 23 league encounters and has only triumphed in one of their last ten games in all competitions. With Everton’s first equalizer, Calvert
Lewin appeared to have broken his goal drought, but Harrison was handed the goal instead, and the forward has now gone 17 games without a goal since October.
With ten minutes remaining, Dyche substituted teenage attacker Chermiti. The Portuguese player poked a poor attempt straight at Vicario in the 88th minute, but Branthwaite took advantage by popping up at the back post for the equalizer seven minutes later.