Michael Keane’s stunning 90th minute equaliser struck another blow to Tottenham’s challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League as Cristian Stellini’s caretaker spell in charge of Spurs started with a 1-1 draw at Everton.
Harry Kane’s penalty looked set to put Tottenham third in the table after Abdoulaye Doucoure had been sent off for striking the Spurs striker in the face.
But the numbers were leveled up when Lucas Moura also saw red two minutes from time before Keane’s thunderbolt salvaged a vital point in Everton’s bid to beat the drop.
A draw is enough to take Sean Dyche’s men out of the relegation zone.
Tottenham move level on points with Newcastle and Manchester United in fourth but have played two more games than their rivals for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Stellini was taking charge for the first time since the sacking of his former boss, Antonio Conte.
Conte’s fate was sealed by a tirade towards the Tottenham squad after conceding twice late on to draw 3-3 at bottom-of-the-table Southampton.
But there was little sign of a fresh start as the visitors again threw away a promising position against a side fighting relegation.
Everton’s chances of survival had been boosted by three 1-0 wins in Dyche’s first four home games in charge.
But the Toffees’ defence was lucky to escape two huge missed chances from Kane inside the first 15 minutes.
The England captain should have been full of confidence after becoming his country’s all-time top goalscorer during the international break.
But Kane’s scuffed effort gave Keane the chance to clear off the line with his first opportunity before he headed wide when completely unmarked from Ivan Perisic’s cross.
Play was stopped midway through the first half to allow players observing Ramadan to break their fast.
But once play restarted, there was little in the way of goalmouth action until the second half.
No side has scored fewer goals in the Premier League than Everton this season, and the home side’s lack of a focal point up front without the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin was again exposed.
The home outfit did waste a glorious chance to take the lead when Idrissa Gueye selfishly blazed over from the edge of the box with teammates better placed to take the shot just after half-time.
A moment of madness from Doucoure appeared to have undone the endeavor of Dyche’s men for the first hour.
The French midfielder slapped Kane in the face after an altercation between the pair and could have no complaints at being shown a straight red card.
Everton’s self-destruction did not stop there, as moments later, Keane dived in foolishly on Cristian Romero to concede a penalty.
Kane coolly sent international teammate Jordan Pickford the wrong way for his 24th club goal of the campaign.
Tottenham, though, failed to make the man advantage count for much of the closing stages as they invited Everton on in search of an equaliser.
Lloris’ fingertips turned Gueye’s dipping effort over before the numbers were evened up when Lucas also saw red for a rash challenge on Keane.
And Everton’s fight got its reward when centre-back Keane strolled forward before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner.
