Everton’s Clinical First Half Secures Victory Over Tottenham

Everton delivered a thrilling performance at Goodison Park, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a match defined by a commanding first half. The Toffees’ efficiency and tactical precision secured their second consecutive Premier League win, offering a much-needed morale boost for fans and players alike.

Calvert-Lewin Breaks His Goal Drought

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the star of the opening exchanges, scoring his first Premier League goal since September 2024. This goal marked the end of a frustrating 16-match drought and elevated his career tally in the competition to 57, moving him ahead of Tim Cahill and placing him third in Everton’s all-time Premier League scorers, behind only Romelu Lukaku and Duncan Ferguson. His strike in the 13th minute set the tone for Everton’s electrifying first half.

A Ruthless Opening 45 Minutes

Everton capitalized on Tottenham’s high defensive line with precision and pace. Idrissa Gueye orchestrated the midfield with two incisive assists in the first 30 minutes, showcasing his vision and ability to exploit space. Ndaye converted a penalty to double the lead, and an unfortunate own goal by Tottenham’s Kinsky extended Everton’s advantage to 3-0 by halftime. This marked the first time since 2017 that Everton led by three goals at halftime in a Premier League match.

Tottenham’s Second-Half Fightback Falls Short

Although Everton appeared to have the game wrapped up by halftime, Tottenham refused to go down without a fight. Kulusevski reignited Spurs’ hopes with a superb clipped finish just 15 minutes into the second half. Moments later, Richarlison came agonizingly close to narrowing the gap further, only to hit the post from close range. Despite their relentless pressure, Spurs lacked the clinical edge to complete their comeback.

A Hard-Fought Win for Everton

The Toffees, while dominant in the first half, were forced to defend resolutely in the latter stages. Tottenham managed an xG of 1.11 compared to Everton’s 0.32 in the second half, but the Toffees stood firm to claim all three points. The victory moves Everton up to 15th in the table, offering some breathing room ahead of crucial fixtures against Hoffenheim in the Europa League and Leicester City in the Premier League.

What’s Next?

Everton will need to build on this momentum as they navigate a challenging schedule. With Calvert-Lewin rediscovering his scoring touch and Gueye pulling the strings in midfield, the Toffees have reason to be optimistic. For Spurs, however, this marks their third consecutive Premier League loss to start the year—a worrying trend for manager Ange Postecoglou to address quickly.

Everton’s triumph was a testament to their determination and clinical execution, showcasing their potential to rise above their struggles this season.