Howard Has a Huge Game
The much-maligned American goalkeeper had his best match this season, making several big stops and almost single-handedly securing Everton a point on the road. Howard has looked far from his best since returning from the World Cup in Brazil last season, leaving many to wonder how much long the keeper would be starting for the Toffees. But with performances like the one against Spurs, Howard may have bought himself some more time. Tottenham could have easily scored three to four goals, but several timely reflex saved by Howard kept the score level, had Everton's attack been more dangerous the visitors could have won a tough road game.
Everton Don't Have the Answer at Left Back
With Leighton Baines and now Brendan Galloway out with injuries, Bryan Oviedo was called upon to start at left back. While he looked good at times, his overall performance left many wondering how Everton will get by until Baines returns. Oviedo was competent offensively, playing a cross that Arouna Kone nearly headed wide, but his defense is still a work in progress. On several occasions Oviedo seemed to lose his man, leaving them open for easy cross and passes into the box. It may have been refreshing to have a full back that could actually get forward, but defense has been Everton's weak spot this season, not offense.
Mid-Week Game Has Ill Effects
Everton's 120 minute adventure at Barnsley certainly gave Everton some problems against Tottenham, with many of the players from that game looking gassed and off the pace. John Stones and Phil Jagielka were guilty of some glaring mistakes and could've cost Everton the game on several occasions. The use of Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu in the mid-week game meant that Roberto Martinez chose to start the baffling wide combo of Arouna Kone and Tom Cleverley yet again. That combination was effective against Southampton, but has looked very poor in every other occasion before and since. Mirallas did come on around half-time but was unable to change the game much and Duelofeu was yet again saved for a last minute sub meaning he couldn't do much to change the outcome of the game. Everton will need to rest up this week as they have a tough match against Chelsea waiting for them