Branthwaite surprises Spurs and rescues Everton's draw after Richarlison's double | first division

It bodes well for Everton's latest fight against relegation, one that may be decided behind closed doors and not exclusively on the pitch, how they refuse to accept their fate and pursue survival to the death. His character prevented Tottenham's victory here and contributed a valuable point in the bid to continue being a first division concern.

Ange Postecoglou despaired at the final whistle and it is understandable. Two superb goals from the first Everton Favorite Richarlison had steered Spurs to a sixth away win of the season. But a combination of Jordan Pickford's challenge, Everton's persistence and the visitors' vulnerability at set pieces produced a thoroughly entertaining draw. Jack Harrison and Jarrad Branthwaite, perfectly timing their first goal of the season in the 94th minute, capitalized to rescue the home team.

“It's a tough place to dominate, but overall I think we handled it well,” the Spurs boss said. “We created some good chances in the second half and we needed the third goal to put the game away. “Unfortunately we couldn’t resist.”

A long afternoon seemed to beckon Everton when Richarlison struck first. Destiny Udogie and Timo Werner opened up the home team's right, with Ben Godfrey out of position, and as the left-back crossed from the byline, the unmarked Brazil international directed an emphatic volley towards the roof of the goal.

It was Richarlison's eighth goal in eight Premier League appearances, maintaining the vast improvement of a striker who scored two in his first 39 league games for Spurs, although there was not a hint of celebration. He bowed to apologize to those present on Gwladys Street, who joined in the surreal scenes applauding the rival goalscorer.

Tottenham's fast and fluid forward line continued to cause Everton's defense problems, but the hosts got back into the contest by increasing the intensity and aggression. However, a glaring lack of quality in their finishing delivery, touch and decision saw Everton rely heavily on set pieces to recover. The deliberate strategy to put pressure on Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario finally manifested itself from a Dwight McNeil corner.

Vicario's weakness in set pieces had been exposed in FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. Everton surrounded the goalkeeper at every corner and when he hit one against the back post, with Harrison leaning towards him, James Tarkowski headed cross for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to mark his 200th league appearance with his first goal in 17 games. . Or so he thought. His header grazed Harrison as he crossed the line and was awarded to the on-loan winger. Vicario, watching in horror as referee Michael Oliver slowly awarded a goal and not a free kick, had the biggest complaint.

Everton deserved the draw due to their work rate and determination, although Spurs assumed the superior threat. Werner once again thrived down Everton's right to find James Maddison, who converted the ball into the path of the visiting number 9. From the edge of the penalty area, Richarlison unleashed an unstoppable shot beyond Pickford's reach and into the top corner.

Spurs would have achieved victory long before it slipped away had it not been for Pickford. He impressively saved from Pedro Porro, Maddison and Richarlison as the visitors continued to stretch the home defence.

Sean Dyche took advantage of all the attacking options he had in search of the second tie. Youssef Chermiti tamely fired a shot at Vicario following a Lewis Dobbin cross, while a third substitute, Beto, saw two penalties rightly claimed. The Everton manager was booked for protesting Beto's second clash with Radu Dragusin and was still complaining when James Garner launched a free kick into the heart of the Spurs area. Cristian Romero could only head the ball towards Branthwaite, who made no mistake with a brave header from close range.

“The character has been around for a long time,” said the Everton manager, who is awaiting the outcome of next week's appeal against the club's 10-point deduction for breaching financial rules. “When you add quality, the unity of the group and the fans, it becomes much more powerful.”