Everton 2-2 Tottenham: Jarrad Branthwaite equalises late after Richarlison scores twice
Everton #Everton
Richarlison has scored nine goals in his last eight games for Tottenham
Jarrad Branthwaite scored an equaliser deep into injury time, following Richarlison’s double, to salvage a point for Everton against Tottenham.
The hosts looked to be heading for a deflating defeat but the despair turned to joy as defender Branthwaite converted at the back post in the 94th minute.
The result momentarily takes the Toffees out of the relegation zone on goal difference, before Luton visit Newcastle later on Saturday.
Before that late leveller, in-form Richarlison looked like returning to haunt his former side with a delightful double in front of the Gwladys Street End.
It took the visitors just four minutes to prise open the Toffees backline as Destiny Udogie pulled the ball back for Richarlison to guide home a lovely volley from eight yards out, and after the hosts drew level, he curled in a sumptuous second from the edge of the box.
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 respect despite double
After a brilliant start under Postecoglou, Tottenham faced questions when they lost four and drew one of their games during a poor run in November and December.
They seemed to show a renewed mettle after that – and were heading for a sixth win in eight league games as they led Everton – but familiar failings let them down again.
The draw meant they missed the chance to go level on 46 points with Manchester City and Arsenal above them in the table and claw themselves back into the title race.
For much of the game, though, a former Evertonian looked like being the difference maker with his instinctive finishing.
Brazil striker Richarlison has not found it easy since moving to north London for £60m in July 2022, netting only two goals in his first 39 league games.
But he looks like he has finally settled in, netting nine goals in his past eight league appearances, including a delightful curling strike from outside the area for his second here.
Richarlison did not celebrate either of his goals, instead gesturing an apology towards the home faithful, who repaid the act with a round of applause.
He could have had a hat-trick in the second half but was denied by Jordan Pickford’s sharp save and further stops from the England international proved vitally important.
Pickford made excellent saves to deny James Maddison twice and keep out Pedro Porro’s stinging drive, before wildly celebrating Branthwaite’s goal.
More to follow.
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Everton
Squad number1Player namePickford
Squad number22Player nameGodfrey
Squad number6Player nameTarkowski
Squad number32Player nameBranthwaite
Squad number19Player nameMykolenko
Squad number18Player nameYoung
Squad number27Player nameGueye
Squad number37Player nameGarner
Squad number7Player nameMcNeil
Squad number11Player nameHarrison
Squad number9Player nameCalvert-Lewin
Squad number14Player nameBeto
Squad number23Player nameColeman
Squad number28Player nameYoussef Chermiti
Squad number61Player nameDobbin
Line-upsEverton
Formation 4-4-1-1
1Pickford
22Godfrey6Tarkowski32Branthwaite19Mykolenko
18Young27Gueye37Garner7McNeil
11Harrison
9Calvert-Lewin
Substitutes
Tottenham
Formation 4-2-3-1
13Vicario
23Porro17Romero37van de Ven38Udogie
5Højbjerg30Bentancur
22Johnson10Maddison16Werner
9Richarlison
Substitutes
Referee:Michael Oliver
Attendance:39,321
Live Text
Match ends, Everton 2, Tottenham Hotspur 2.
Second Half ends, Everton 2, Tottenham Hotspur 2.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Lewis Dobbin (Everton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Radu Dragusin (Tottenham Hotspur) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Lewis Dobbin (Everton).
Foul by Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur).
Beto (Everton) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Goal! Everton 2, Tottenham Hotspur 2. Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton) header from very close range to the bottom right corner following a set piece situation.
Foul by Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur).
James Garner (Everton) wins a free kick on the left wing.
Foul by Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur).
Jack Harrison (Everton) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
James Garner (Everton) is shown the yellow card.
Foul by Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur).
Lewis Dobbin (Everton) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution, Tottenham Hotspur. Radu Dragusin replaces Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.
Offside, Everton. Youssef Chermiti is caught offside.
Attempt saved. Youssef Chermiti (Everton) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Lewis Dobbin with a cross.