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Post by Avinalaff on May 24, 2015 15:58:23 GMT
Harry Kane brought his outstanding season to a fitting finale with the only goal as Tottenham Hotspur beat Everton and Liverpool to fifth place in the process. The delights of the Europa League group stage await Mauricio Pochettino.
The Spurs striker scored his 21st league goal with a precise first-half header to join Jürgen Klinsmann, Teddy Sheringham and Gareth Bale as the club’s record scorer in a Premier League campaign. There were mild jeers on the final whistle for Roberto Martínez’s team after they served up an anaemic end-of-season display.
There was little at stake other than the prospect of a fifth-placed finish for Spurs and that was enough to inspire a one-sided first half. The visitors dominated until Everton roused themselves shortly before the break, when Hugo Lloris saved well from Seàmus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas clipped an angled shot on to the roof of the net, with their midfield in complete control.
Spurs showed strength, composure and technique in the centre of the park, the hosts were found wanting on each count, while Ryan Mason, Erik Lamela and Co were afforded the space to dictate. Only when Martínez withdrew Ross Barkley after an error-strewn 45-minute display and introduced Muhamed Besic into a three-man central midfield did Everton find the aggression and urgency their performance sorely required.
Christian Eriksen and Mason both almost capitalised on unchallenged one-twos outside the home area in the opening minutes. The Denmark international also sent Lamela clear after intercepting an attempted pass out of defence from Brendan Galloway, the England under-21 international who was making his first league start at Goodison Park having been given his full debut in last weekend’s win at West Ham United. Tim Howard thwarted Lamela’s shot towards his bottom right-hand corner before gathering at the second attempt close to the goal-line.
The Everton goal remained under pressure, however, and there was little Howard could do to prevent Spurs taking a merited lead from their next attack. Again, the visitors were allowed to exchange passes around the Everton penalty area unchallenged. The ball was switched out wide to Eric Dier on the right and from his inviting first-time cross, Kane of all people was left unmarked at the near post and steered a header beyond Howard into the far corner. As well as equalling a Premier League scoring record for his club, the goal was Kane’s 37th of the season in total for Spurs, England and England under-21s.
Mirallas shot tamely at Lloris with Romelu Lukaku unmarked to his right and sent a half-volley just over the bar from Galloway’s header but the Everton threat was minimal. Their overall performance improved in the second half but Spurs’ lead was rarely troubled and the only rousing moment from the home fans came when Sylvain Distin replaced Galloway with six minutes remaining, the 37-year-old making his final appearance for a club he has served with distinction before leaving on a free this summer.
Guardian |
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Post by Avinalaff on May 24, 2015 16:28:50 GMT
What a drab end to a drab season.  |
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Post by Everton News. on May 26, 2015 3:06:36 GMT
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Post by royalblue1878 on May 26, 2015 10:09:40 GMT
Absolute crap we were!!
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2015 18:57:10 GMT
I missed the match because I was working a late shift - doesn't look like I missed much |
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