Spurs denied by late drama
TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp blasted his team after they dramatically blew a glorious chance to reclaim third place in the Premier League.
In-form striker Jermain Defoe missed an injury-time penalty after Spurs had squandered a two-goal lead in the final 13 minutes. Goals from Defoe and defender Michael Dawson looked to have secured three points that would have lifted the visitors back above north London rivals Arsenal.
But with less than a quarter of an hour to play Toffees forward Louis Saha pulled one back before midfielder Tim Cahill snatched an 86th-minute equaliser.
There was still time for Everton to hand Spurs the chance to win, when Tony Hibbert was judged to have bundled over Wilson Palacios in the penalty area.
Yet Defoe could not register his 14th of the season, goalkeeper Tim Howard stopping the top flight’s leading scorer’s spot kick with his feet.
“It was game over as we looked to be in control and I couldn’t see any way we weren’t going to go on and win,” said Redknapp.
“We had chances to go 3-0 up and then they pulled a goal back. It was poor defending, we got sucked in and then suddenly the crowd get a lift.
“Then we get a great chance to win it with a penalty with the last kick of the game. Robbie Keane is our penalty taker but you’d fancy the little man Defoe to score with the form he is in – but it wasn’t to be.”
Howard aside, Everton’s hero was 21-year-old Seamus Coleman, who came off the bench to replace the injured Joseph Yobo and set up both goals on only his second league appearance. “He was fantastic today,” said Toffees boss David Moyes, who saw his side pull two points clear of the relegation zone.
“He played really well, he got forward and made a difference for us at times. Good on the youngster.”
Defoe’s near-post finish put Spurs ahead just after the interval, and Dawson’s diving header from a Niko Kranjcar corner doubled the advantage soon after. But Coleman teed up Saha to volley past Heurelho Gomes for 2-1, and the comeback was completed when Cahill stooped low to nod home from close range.
Referee Andre Marriner then gave Defoe the opportunity to win it from the spot, but Howard was equal to it.