Jarrad Branthwaite emerged as the hero for Everton with a dramatic late equalizer against Tottenham, securing a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
Facing potential defeat, the Toffees were rescued by Branthwaite's last-minute intervention, leaving Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario helpless on the ground. The decisive moment unfolded when James Garner delivered a desperate free kick in stoppage time.
In a chaotic sequence, Spurs' Cristian Romero's header seemed destined for an own goal, and Branthwaite managed to get the slightest touch right on the goal line, colliding with Vicario in the process. Despite the collision, there was no foul, and Everton celebrated wildly.
However, Everton endured a tense VAR review for possible offside before confirming Branthwaite’s equalizer. This marked his first goal of the season, rescuing Everton from a precarious position in the table.
Earlier in the match, Everton found themselves trailing after former striker Richarlison scored twice for Spurs. His first goal, just three minutes into the game, came from a volley off a cross from Destiny Udogie. His second, a spectacular strike five minutes before halftime, was set up by James Maddison’s skillful footwork.
Despite Richarlison’s brace, Everton managed to level the score through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who nodded in a header from close range after a series of corners. Although replays showed the ball had deflected off his teammate Jack Harrison before reaching the net, Calvert-Lewin ended his scoring drought, which had lasted for 17 games.