Tottenham Hotspur struck a blow in the race for Champions League football by beating Everton 1-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
The only goal came after the restart courtesy of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the contest to determine if the home team were deserving victors, or whether Everton can consider themselves hard done by.
Match statistics
Spurs
Shots: 8
On target: 2
Possession: 46%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 9
Everton
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 54%
Corners: 11
Fouls: 13
Was the result fair?
In terms of general play and openings created, the outcome was not a fair one. Everton's all-round display was deserving of a point at the very least. However, they didn't make the most of those chances and in the Premier League, such an offence is often punished, just as they were today.
Spurs's performance
The main thing is that Tottenham claimed a vital victory and that's the line that manager Tim Sherwood is likely to trot out to the media. However, he will know that his team were fortunate and on another day could have been two or three goals down before they scored with what was their first shot on target. On a separate note, the return from injury of Andros Townsend will have pleased Sherwood because the winger will give them some extra impetus in attack.
Everton's performance
If ever there was a match that highlighted Romelu Lukaku's importance to Everton, this was it. The Toffees created numerous chances and openings, but that killer instinct that the Belgium international has provided this season was missing. Meanwhile, up the other end Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin were their usual stubborn-selves, but for one moment which ended with Adebayor scoring the only goal of the game. Roberto Martinez is bound to be a frustrated manager this evening.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Gareth Barry: Although it was an entertaining contest, no player from either side really stood out. As a result, this award goes to Everton midfielder Barry, who put in his usual consistent performance. His passing was good, while he made a number of solid challenges and interceptions to frustrate Spurs.
Biggest gaffe
Kevin Mirallas was lively throughout for Everton, but he showed a real greedy side during the first half. Having sprinted beyond Jan Vertonghen and Michael Dawson, the Belgian had the chance to play in Steven Naismith, who would have just had Hugo Lloris to beat. Mirallas kept hold of possession, though, before firing the ball well over the crossbar.
Referee performance
With two teams that like to play passing football, it was never going to be a majorly busy afternoon for Mark Clattenburg and that's the way it panned out. To his credit, he wasn't too picky and often played advantage instead of blowing up for a foul.
What next?
Spurs: On Wednesday evening Sherwood's men make the lengthy trip to Tyneside to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Everton: As for the Toffees, they return to the familiar surroundings of Goodison Park with the visit of Crystal Palace on the same night.
Liam Apicella
