Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 with Everton in their final Premier League match of the season, a result that confirmed a fourth-place finish and Champions League football for the fourth consecutive year. Christian Eriksen’s rasping low free-kick earned Spurs a point after second-half goals from Theo Walcott and Cenk Tosun had put Everton in control. Mauricio Pochettino’s side needed to better Chelsea’s result to claim third place, but Chelsea also drew, leaving Spurs in fourth.
“It is difficult to assess now but in time the people will realise what we achieve,” Pochettino said. “We have made history by reaching the Champions League final and, if we can win, we will write history and change the perception of this amazing club.” The manager now turns attention to the final against Liverpool on 1 June, with injured players Harry Kane and Harry Winks expected to recover fitness in the intervening period.
The squad will have two days off before preparations begin in earnest. Pochettino substituted Dele Alli at half-time because the midfielder felt jaded, allowing him to recharge. The positive side of the long wait for the final is that key players can regain full fitness.
A celebratory mood pervaded the stadium from before kick-off, when fans cheered Lucas Moura, whose hat-trick against Ajax secured the club’s first European Cup final. After the match, virtually every fan stayed for the squad’s lap of appreciation, reflecting overall happiness. Chairman Daniel Levy wrote in programme notes: “Securing a top-four spot to give us Champions League football for a fourth successive season is in itself something of which to be immensely proud.”
Spurs scored early when Eric Dier lashed home from a corner. News of Manchester City’s lead at Brighton prompted cheers from Everton fans, who sang “Blue Moon” and later chanted “We’ll all be having a party, when Tottenham win the cup”. Everton had chances to equalise earlier but Michael Keane’s free header went straight at Hugo Lloris. Walcott put Everton ahead with a left-footed finish after cutting inside, and Tosun scrambled home after Lloris pushed out Keane’s header.
