Aurora Galli’s belated penalty played savior, securing a draw for Everton despite an impressive display by the Women’s Super League’s in-form team, Tottenham.
Galli executed a conversion past Rebecca Spencer in the 85th minute, following a foul on Heather Payne within the Spurs’ penalty area.
Tottenham had previously taken the lead when Grace Clinton skillfully nodded a deep cross from Drew Spence past Courtney Brosnan in the first half.
However, Brosnan’s goalkeeping prowess thwarted any attempts by Spurs to increase their lead, allowing the visitors to salvage a valuable point.
Her heroic efforts also prevented the former Toffees player, Clinton, from finding the back of the net in the second half, with a swift save during a goalmouth scramble.
Moreover, Everton had an opportunity to secure more than just a point. Katja Snoeijs squandered an early chance by directing a free header into the turf within the six-yard box.
This hard-fought draw leaves Tottenham, who had secured victory in three consecutive matches prior to this, in the third position in the WSL, missing the opportunity to ascend to the second spot.
On the other hand, Everton, sitting at the ninth spot, managed to gather just their fourth point of the season.
Tottenham’s Inability to Sustain Their Impressive Form Spurs had finished only seven points above the relegation zone in the 2022-23 season, despite late improvements under interim manager Vicky Jepson.
Their current fortunes bear little resemblance to their form prior to Robert Vilahamn’s arrival. After just five matches, they are eight points behind their point tally from the previous season.
Tottenham exerted control over the game and restricted Everton’s chances. However, they failed to capitalize on their dominance, as the visitors adopted a deep-lying defensive strategy to thwart Vilahamn’s side.
Jessica Naz missed an opportunity to double Spurs’ lead when she sent her shot wide of the far post after coming on as a substitute.
Prolific striker Martha Thomas, who has netted six goals in her five WSL appearances this season, had her close-range header deftly parried by Republic of Ireland’s goalkeeper, Brosnan.
Meanwhile, Everton seized an opportunity following a foul as they cleared a Martina Piemonte attempt off the goal-line, with Galli stepping up to make the crucial difference from the penalty spot.
Spurs can take solace in maintaining an unbeaten record, and their fortunes in the attacking third of the pitch will be enhanced by the return of forward Ellie Brazil, who made her first appearance on the bench since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2022.
They will aim to regain their winning ways as they face Liverpool and Leicester City in their upcoming two matches.
For Everton, another challenging test looms in their next fixture as they go head-to-head with league leaders, Chelsea, next Sunday.
