England, April 4 (US): Michael Keane scored a thrilling last-gasp goal to hold Everton to a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, in a huge boost to the team’s desperate battle to avoid relegation.
Kane’s powerful shot from 30 yards hit goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who remained rooted in his place, and offered some consolation to the 30-year-old defender after an earlier tackle on Christian Romero resulted in Spurs being awarded a penalty. Harry Kane scored the penalty kick in the 68th minute.
Sean Dyche’s Everton were pressing for an equalizer over the final few minutes before Kane scored in injury time. The centre-back made a few touches and then slotted into the top corner, sending rave Goodison Park fans to their feet, according to Reuters.
Everton climbed to fifteenth place with 27 points, one point above the relegation zone. Four of the teams below it have played one game less.
And Tottenham, who is in the race to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League next season, was forced to gain a point in its first match since the dismissal of coach Antonio Conte.
Tottenham returned to fourth place, albeit equal on 50 points with Newcastle United, third-placed, and fifth-placed Manchester United, both of whom have two matches in hand.
Everton lost Abdoulaye Doucoure with a red card in the 58th minute after Kane grabbed the shirt of the Malian midfielder, who responded by punching the England captain in the face and leaving him collapsing on the pitch.
Tottenham also ended the game with ten men, with Lucas Moura sent off two minutes from time.
Both teams had plenty of chances to score in an entertaining evening. Kane could have put Spurs on the board in the ninth minute, but his shot from close range was blocked by Kane.
A minute later, Kane’s shot went past Tottenham.
Everton had a great chance to equalize in the 76th minute, but Idrissa Gaye’s shot from 20 yards was deflected over the bar by Lloris.
The match was stopped in the 26th minute so that Everton’s Muslim players Doukouri, Guy and Amadou Onana could break their fast during Ramadan.
WWA