Too strong: Emmanuel Adebayor scored his sixth goal in nine Premier League matches against Everton
Close call: Spurs' Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen threatened in the first half from the set piece
Fearless: Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris dives at Kevin Mirallas's feet to save another good chance for Everton
That, though, was all Spurs had to shout about in the opening 20 minutes as the visitors continued to pour forward.
Lloris,
unaware the offside flag had been raised, produced another wonderful
save to stop Kevin Mirallas converting a Leighton Baines cross, before
the Spurs goalkeeper swept up after confusion at the back and Coleman
had a tame effort saved.
Tottenham
were struggling in all areas and had few moments of respite, although
they came close to grabbing an undeserved lead as a low Danny Rose cross
just evaded Adebayor.
It was a
rare threatening moment from a side devoid of attacking ideas and sloppy
at the back, epitomised by the ease with which Mirallas slalomed
through on goal before firing over.
It was
the last moment of note before half-time, from which the hosts returned
with renewed intensity. A powerful Adebayor header, though, was all
Spurs had to show for their improved performance, leading to the
introduction of Townsend.
Laid low
with a hamstring complaint for seven weeks, the flying winter replaced
Eriksen after 59 minutes in a bid to add a new dimension to the Spurs
attack.
Back in action: Andros Townsend returns after eight weeks out through injury by replacing Christian Eriksen
Challenge: Jan Vertonghen slides in to dispossess Everton's Kevin Mirallas, who was a worry for Spur's defense
Townsend
had barely had time to settle into proceedings when Spurs caught Everton
napping to break the deadlock through Adebayor's astute finish.
The relief inside White Hart Lane was palpable, especially as a timely Michael Dawson block denied Everton minutes earlier.
Spurs were now looking composed, though, and Adebayor flashed a strike over as they looked to put the game out of reach.
Everton were not giving up and continued to press, with Lloris called into action to thwart a deflected Aiden McGeady cross.
The
onslaught continued and they had a strong stoppage-time penalty appeal
waved away after substitute Capoue brought down Coleman as Spurs held
out for the win - the ideal send-off for Jermain Defoe, who came on with
six minutes remaining for his final league appearance at White Hart
Lane before joining Toronto.
Cup run: England manager Roy Hodgson watches the local talent in action at White Hart Lane
On the ball: Everton's Tim Howard was quick to react to an over hit through ball to Emmanuel Adebayor
Barking orders: Everton's Roberto Martinez and Tottenham's Tim Sherwood give their directions
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