Image Credit: The Guardian
By Lee Clow
03 November 2019 | Premier League
Everton’s scored a 97th minute equaliser to draw against Tottenham but it was overshadowed by a horrific leg injury sustained by Andre Gomes.
The Everton midfielder was tackled recklessly by Son Heung-Min and appeared to be injured by an awkward fall as well as a covering challenge from Serge Aurier. The incident promoted huge uproar from the players and fans around which left referee, Martin Atkinson, no choice but to send Son off for the challenge. Whilst receiving his marching orders, the South Korean was left in tears having caused the injury to Gomes.
After receiving extensive treatment in lengthy delay, Gomes was eventually stretched off the pitch as he was rushed to the ambulance. Huge applause filled the ground by both sets of supporters as they wished the Portuguese midfielder a speedy recovery.
Earlier in the game not much had happened with both sides lacking any quality. The poor display summed up both teams current form and position in the Premier League table.
Richarlison had Everton’s biggest chances in the first half with one strike testing Paulo Gazzaniga while the other firing over. Tottenham, who were with Harry Kane due to illness, rarely tested Jordan Pickford in the first half with only Serge Aurier’s cross proving difficult for the England number one.
In the second half, the game started to liven up a bit and this triggered Everton fans into being more vocal, especially towards some of the decisions given by Martin Atkinson.
Martin Atkinson was soon needed when Spurs had a potential penalty appeal. Whilst turning in the box, Son appeared to be upended by Yerry Mina and this called for a VAR check. After multiple checks, VAR said no penalty and play was eventually restarted again by Martin Atkinson.
Tottenham had a good chance to open the scoring when they won a free kick on the right-hand flank. Christian Eriksen whipped in a beautiful ball across the box but neither Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez or Ben Davies could divert the ball home.
Richarlison once again wasted an opportunity to score for the Toffies after a smooth break involving Lucas Digne. The Brazilian attacker was played in on the edge of the box and after wriggling away from multiple Spurs defenders, he unleashed a strike towards goal, but it was smartly stopped by Gazzaniga.
The breakthrough was finally broken after 63 minutes when Spurs punished Everton for a costly mistake. Former Arsenal man, Alex Iwobi, unforgivably gave the ball away in midfield and this allowed Son to pounce on the ball before realising it to Dele Alli who smartly skipped past Digne and slid the ball past England colleague, Pickford, in goal.
Alli brought out an iconic celebration following the goal silencing the critics he’s received over the last week.
Moments later, VAR came back into action as there was a call for a potential handball on goal scorer Alli following an Everton corner. On replays it appeared that Alli had handled the ball when competing with Mina in the air, but after four long minutes of checking, VAR deemed it not enough to award a penalty. Huge boos filled the ground as the Everton fans felt like every decision was going against them.
Soon after this came the horrific injury involving Gomes. Son’s initial challenge was deemed a yellow card by the referee, but after the huge reaction by fans and players as well as the extent of the injury, the decision was changed from a yellow to a red card. Son left the field with tears and in a state of shock while Aurier, who arguable was more to blame for the injury, was praying before being was subbed off minutes later.
After two long delays, the fourth official indicated that there would be a minimum of 12 minutes added time. During this period, Everton decided to throw the kitchen sink at Spurs as they looked for an equaliser. Cenk Tosun, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were all brought on in the hope of a goal.
On 97 minutes, Everton did find their goal as they equalised through Cenk Tosun. Digne, involved again, put in a delightful cross which was met by the head of the Turkish striker who snatched two points away from Tottenham denying them a first away victory in the league since January.
There was an unusual air around Goodison Park as the full-time whistle went, with both sets of players still seemingly processing Gomes' injury, while some Everton fans directed their anger at the officials. The draw does no favours for both teams with Spurs up to 11th while Everton remain in 17th.
After the game, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino gave his thoughts: "We were playing well and was under control and was closer to the second goal than the draw. Then things changed and they start to create a little bit more.”
"They had more chances and of course, it is difficult to assess the last 10 or 12 minutes. But talking only about football, I am happy with the performance and the way the team competed. It was a very difficult game against a very good team like Everton and I think we were good until Sonny was set off."
Everton manager, Marco Silva also spoke after the game and was positive despite the injury to Andre Gomes. He said: "We as a group need to keep that spirit and togetherness that we showed after that moment (Gomes injury). All the game, but after that moment as well.”
We showed fantastic team spirit. Really good. We reacted and we reacted well. There were some chances to equalise and we showed that spirit to score and then we kept trying to score the second as well."
What’s next?
Tottenham return to Champions League action in midweek as they travel to Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday before facing Sheffield United in the Premier League next Saturday. For Everton, they have a visit to Southampton in the Premier League next Saturday.
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