Gylfi Sigurdsson scored a late equaliser for Tottenham against Everton to wrap up a thrilling match against two sides that are competing for the four Champions League spots. Spurs took the lead just 33 seconds into the game when Emmanuel Adebayor converted Jan Vertonghen's low cross but Everton made it all square through Phil Jagielka and then took the lead thanks to a fine solo effort from Kevin Mirallas. The last minutes of the match were very intense, Adebayor struck the post and Sigurdsson pushed home on the rebound to give Tottenham a crucial point. Everton could have still grabbed the three points but Victor Anichebe was denied by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham were without Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe while Everton missed the suspended Marouane Fellaini and Steven Pienaar but their replacements produced more than enough at White Hart Lane. Spurs got off to a perfect start as Adebayor's goal was Tottenham's second fastest in the Premier League after Ledley King's strike after just 10 seconds in a win at Bradford in December 2000. Vertonghen's bent a low cross from the left flank which was missed by two Everton players before finding Adebayor, who pushed it past Tim Howard. Everton reacted through Leon Osman but his effort was just wide. The Toffees made it all square on a corner kick, perfectly taken by Leighton Baines and headed in by Jagielka.
It was all square at the break and Everton seemed more determined to attack in the second half. They were rewarded on 53 minutes when Mirallas dribbled past Scott Parker and Steven Caulker before firing a perfectly placed shot into the far corner of the net. Moussa Dembele came close to an instant reply for the home side, his shot took a deflection off John Heitinga and was diverted onto the crossbar by Tim Howard. Tottenham were pouring forward but Adebayor and Dempsey were unable to find the back of the net. Things were looking desperate for Spurs as the game entered the final five minutes but their efforts were rewarded three minutes from time when Kyle Walker created a good opportunity for Adebayor, the African striker's effort struck the post but Sigurdsson was on hand to push home the rebound.
Tottenham are currently 4th in the Premier League table on 58 points while Everton remain 6th on 52 points but with a game in hand on Spurs. The battle for the top four places is as exciting as ever, with Chelsea and Arsenal also being keen on playing Champions League football next season. If you fancy a bet on who finishes in the top four this season, you might want to take a look at the Bet365 odds:
Chelsea - 1/4
Arsenal - 3/10
Tottenham - 11/8
Everton - 12/1
Liverpool - 40/1
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