Everton frustrate in loss to Tottenham

Two similar teams came into White Hart Lane looking for three points as Everton traveled to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur. Both were coming off Thursday Europa League wins and were looking to return toward the top quarter of the Premier League table.

Everton's performance was a letdown coming off a win in Germany that saw them top their group with a game left to play. The team were riding high on the win in Europe, but frustrated in their return to league play.

Things started off great for Roberto Martinez's side, but defensive mistakes spelled their doom as Spurs were able to expose a Toffees defense that had held strong of late, but ultimately are suffering from key injuries.

Kevin Mirallas drew a foul and won a free kick just outside the Spurs' 18-yard-box in the 14th minute. Leighton Baines took the kick, but Mirallas got it back and curled a magnificent shot past Hugo Lloris to make it 1-0.

Five minutes later Spurs had equalized. Tim Howard managed to punch out Roberto Soldado's shot, but not far enough as Christian Eriksen pounced on it and leveled the score.

Just before the halftime break, Soldado made it 2-1 after Gareth Barry was robbed of the ball by Harry Kane. Tottenham had been dominating the midfield, and the goal was Soldado's first since March.

Everton weathered early second half chances from Tottenham, but couldn't manage to get anything going offensively. A 60th minute pair of substitutions brought on Leon Osman for Samuel Eto'o and Aiden McGeady for Kevin Mirallas. The substitutions did help the Blues get a few more chances, but Hugo Lloris and the Spurs defense proved too strong.

A late charge for an equalizer saw a penalty shout for Everton, as Romelu Lukaku's header on a set piece was blocked by Federico Fazio's hand. But the referee waved off protests and no penalty was given.

Everton return to Goodison Park on Wednesday to take on Hull City.