Jarrad Branthwaite emerged as Everton’s hero with a dramatic late equalizer against Tottenham, securing a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
The Toffees seemed destined for defeat until Branthwaite’s last-minute intervention left Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on the ground.
The decisive moment came when James Garner delivered a desperate free kick in stoppage time.
A header by Spurs’ Cristian Romero appeared to be heading towards his own goal, and Branthwaite managed to get the slightest touch right on the goal line.
Although he collided with Vicario in the process, there was no foul, and Everton celebrated wildly.
However, Everton had to endure a tense wait as VAR reviewed the goal for possible offside before confirming Branthwaite’s equalizer, which marked his first goal of the season, rescuing Everton from a disastrous position in the table.
Earlier in the match, Everton found themselves trailing after former striker Richarlison scored twice for Spurs.
Richarlison’s first goal came just three minutes into the game, as he volleyed in a cross from Destiny Udogie.
His second goal, a spectacular strike five minutes before halftime, was set up by James Maddison’s skillful footwork.
Despite Richarlison’s brace, Everton managed to level the score through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who nodded in a header from close range after series of corners.
Although replays showed that the ball had deflected off his teammate Jack Harrison before reaching the net, Calvert-Lewin ended his scoring drought, which had lasted for 17 games.