Everton and Tottenham started the contest like two teams eager to put respective off-pitch turmoil behind them. The Toffees, under investigation by an independent commission for a potential break of Financial Fair Play rules, tried to distract the Goodison crowd early on when Demarai Gray curled just over the crossbar.
Tottenham’s tumultuous period under Antonio Conte came to an end during the international break as the North Londoners parted ways with the Italian and Spurs appeared intent on ending their five-match winless run on the road.
In search of his 250th PL goal contribution, Harry Kane led the Tottenham charge as his powerful strike was cleared off the line.
The let-off sparked a reaction for Everton as a sweeping move finished with Alex Iwobi crossing for an unmarked Abdoulaye Doucouré in the area, but the midfielder’s free header failed to test Spurs ‘keeper Hugo Lloris.
Three 1-0 wins in four home matches since Sean Dyche took the Everton reins in February gave the Toffees hope that one goal could be decisive. Yet, the hosts continued to waste chances as Idrissa Gueye became the latest culprit to miss a clear-cut opportunity when he drove into the box and lifted a shot over the crossbar.
As Everton looked to push on for the winner, Doucouré put his side’s hopes in jeopardy after he was sent off for pushing Kane in the face. Inevitably, Tottenham increased the pressure and things went from bad to worse for the hosts as Keane clattered into Cristian Romero in the area for a penalty.
Kane stepped up, held his nerve, and thumped the spot-kick past England teammate Jordan Pickford.
Everton continued to show plenty of grit and were handed a late lifeline when Lucas Moura was also dismissed for a high tackle on Keane.
The Toffees immediately went on the attack and Keane earned redemption by firing in an unstoppable long-range strike into the net to move his side out of the relegation zone.
Spurs were off the pace throughout and are hanging on to a top-four spot by a thread as their winless run on the road rumbles on to six matches.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alex Iwobi (Everton)
