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london. — Tottenham occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot following their 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, which prevented them from reopening a five-point lead over fifth-place Manchester United.

Aaron Lennon put Everton ahead against his former club in the 22nd minute, controlling Romelu Lukaku’s knock-down and lashing a half-volley past Hugo Lloris.

But 19-year-old Spurs midfielder Dele Alli equalised in first-half stoppage time, brilliantly chesting down Toby Alderweireld’s 40-yard pass and guiding a volley into the bottom-right corner. Centre forward Harry Kane was not far behind either, striking the post while defender Ben Davies advanced to pummel a shot against the bar. At times it was a little embarrassing for Roberto Martinez and Everton as they struggled to compete at times on their own pitch.

For Tottenham, however, a second goal didn’t come and after Martinez changed shape and personnel 15 minutes in to the second half – against the wishes of the home fans it should be added – the momentum shift was dramatic enough to have the London club hanging on a little at the end.

Ultimately a point will not be sniffed at by Pochettino. His team have still lost only twice in the Premier League this season. Nevertheless, in a season when opportunity knocks for Tottenham, afternoons that see them play so well away from home really should end differently.

Few people, if any, talk about Tottenham as contenders for the title and that is probably how they like it. The football they played early on here, however, indicated just what a confident and talented team they have become under Pochettino.

Perhaps they sensed that Everton were a little nervous. Perhaps they had merely looked at the home team’s recent results at home and realised how vulnerable they could be. — AFP.