Everton and Tottenham play out goalless draw

Ross Barkley of Everton in action with Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

Despite the fact that no goals were scored, it would be unfair to suggest that this match was a borefest – far from it in fact, as refereeing decisions and feisty challenges were the order of the day.

The draw won’t do much for either side in their efforts to capitalise on Chelsea’s shock loss against Newcastle United on Saturday evening, but it was probably the fairest result as both sides gave it their all, and never looked like giving up on the match.

On a positive note for Everton, the goalless draw with Spurs extends their unbeaten run at home to an impressive 14 matches and ensures that they continue to surprise many with their very bright start to the season.

As for Andre Villa-Boas’ charges, they will have been happy to come away from an intimidating Goodison Park with a clean sheet as well as the fact that they showed a very good account of themselves.

The travelling White Hart Lane supporters were treated to a very confident and boisterous start from their side as Roberto Soldado and Andros Townsend caused a few nervy moments for the Everton back four. In hindsight, they will probably rue their early period of dominance as the match eventually slipped away from them. Jan Vertonghen in particular did his best to kick-start a goal-scoring start to the game with a number of inventive forages down the left flank.

In fact, it was his tussle with Republic of Ireland international Seamus Coleman that provided one of the most intriguing points of discussion.

After the Belgian had out-maneouvred Coleman inside the box, he was cynically dragged back and fell to the ground. Despite appeals from the adamant home support, the referee waved play on and no spot-kick was awarded. In truth, it probably should have been.

However, Vertonghen got his revenge later on, in the second half, after he cut down Coleman inside the 18-yard box. Although the Everton right-back continued to play and even got a shot away, it was obvious that he should have won a penalty. Once again, the official wasn’t interested.

More drama was to come after in-form striker Romelu Lukaku collided with Spurs ‘keeper Hugo Lloris, leaving the ‘keeper down on the ground, seemingly slightly concussed. Replays showed that the 20-year-old forward had left a trailing knee when challenging for the loose ball and received a yellow card for his efforts.

What followed was a protracted sideshow as Lloris and the Blues frontman received treatment for their knocks before the 26-year-old French man refused to leave the field of play despite being urged by concerned team-mates to do so.

He stayed on the field of play, much to the dismay of Brad Friedel and put in a siprited performance to keep the hosts at bay as they began to take control.

Gerard Deulofeu, Steven Pienaar, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku all tried in vain to rustle the back of the net for Roberto Martinez’s side, however some excellent defending from the Spurs backline denied them the space to create any clear-cut chances.

As for the visitors, Gylfi Sigurdsson was denied by Tim Howard in the 76th minute as last season’s Europa League quarter-finalists attempted to counter whenever possible.

Unfortunately, for goal-seekers everywhere, neither side could break the deadlock and the teams left the pitch with a share of the spoils.