Everton achieved a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on January 19, 2025, at Goodison Park, which marked their first win since David Moyes returned as manager. This result not only lifted Everton four points clear of the relegation zone but also added pressure on Tottenham, who suffered their twelfth league defeat this season.
The hosts started the match strong, capitalizing on Tottenham's defensive vulnerabilities, which were exacerbated by the absence of key players like Gregory Vicario and Cristian Romero due to injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring for Everton with his first goal since September, showing he was back to form. The second goal came from Illan Ndiaye, whose efforts reflected his rise as a key player, scoring his second of the season.
Just before halftime, the Spurs compounded their woes with Archie Gray's own goal, giving Everton a 3-0 lead. Even with Tottenham’s Richarlison eventually entering the game, they struggled to recover from the deficit. Dejan Kulusevski scored late for Spurs, and Richarlison added another momentary glimmer of hope, but it was not enough.
The match saw Everton gain confidence, showcasing incredible intensity against the backdrop of their recent struggles, as they had scored just 15 goals across 20 games prior to this outing. Despite being on the brink of relegation, Moyes’s men displayed determination and unity, sending ripples of relief through their fanbase.
"This victory saves us from the relegation fight, at least for now," said Moyes after the match, expressing satisfaction not just with the scoreline but with the performance of his players.
For Tottenham, the result was disheartening. Captain Son Heung-min commented, "We didn’t take our chances early on, and it cost us." Their inability to convert opportunities shook the confidence around the squad, putting the spotlight heavily on their management. The fans’ frustrations were evident, primarily directed at Chairman Daniel Levy rather than coach Ange Postecoglou.
Everton's triumph was particularly sweet for Mykolenko, who started the match and played the full 90 minutes, contributing to the defensive effort against Tottenham's attacking threats. Addressing his teammates' performance, Moyes praised their resilience and suggested they could build on this result moving forward.
Looking at the league table, as of this matchday, Everton sits 16th, accumulating 20 points, leaving them well-positioned for their upcoming fixtures. The pressure now intensifies for Tottenham, as their league position grows precarious, hovering only four points above relegation and leaving Postecoglou with difficult questions to answer moving forward.
This match serves as a pivotal moment for both clubs, with Everton rejuvenated with their victory and Tottenham at risk of falling under greater scrutiny for future performances.