A Harry Kane-inspired performance was enough to help Tottenham see off Everton in a five-goal thriller.

The Spurs striker opened the scoring when he picked up the ball in a midfield position before running and unleashing a high drive into Joel Robles’ net.

Attempts to play the ball out by Everton backfired as Morgan Schneiderlin lost possession, allowing Kane to pounce and drill home his second of the afternoon.

Another defensive lapse let in Dele Alli to steer home in the first minute of added time before Blues sub Enner Valencia hit a late consolation just 60 seconds later.

Here were the key talking points from White Hart Lane:

Defences woes let the Blues down

 

This was by no means Everton’s worst performance of the season.

But the feeling that the win came all too easily for Tottenham was down to the visitors’ defensive weaknesses in a scoreline which flattered them somewhat.

Kane, Victor Wanyama and Christian Eriksen all enjoyed chances to extend the advantage in the first half, with Wanyama most notably hitting the woodwork.

Ramiro Funes Mori is still looking to stake a claim as a long-term fixture in Everton’s defence, but this was one of his most unconvincing performances.

Even older heads like Leighton Baines allowed Spurs too much space, leaving Ronald Koeman with much to ponder if Everton are to realise their aspirations.

What was Everton’s game plan?

 

It is difficult to tell what exactly Koeman had planned for this game

A line-up featuring Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye suggested the Everton manager was looking to keep it tight at the back and nick a point from the outset.

However it never really worked out; Romelu Lukaku was increasingly isolated upfront, and swarmed by Tottenham shirts whenever he went near the ball.

Compounding this was a midfield that sat too deep to offer Everton any real attacking outlet or even manage to stretch their hosts at regular intervals.

They were much improved after the break, helped by substitutions which prompted more attack-friendly tactical tweaks, but the Blues can ill-afford to give sides like Spurs a two-goal head start.

Positives from tireless trio

 

The defensive mistakes which cost Everton a respectable point are lamentable but Koeman will certainly be happy with aspects of his team’s performance.

Tom Davies, Lukaku and Ross Barkley were tireless in running to press Tottenham and did well with the limited possibilities that were available to them.

Davies was a little unlucky to be subbed off in the second half as he made way for Kevin Mirallas, who ultimately offered Everton more of an attacking threat.

The introductions of the Belgian and Valencia allowed more serious questions to be asked of Spurs, yet the changes came too late in a game that was already lost.

Lukaku’s quality is now undeniable

 

Lukaku now boasts the title of Everton’s leading scorer in the Premier League era in his own right, thanks to a typical finish which gave his side renewed hope.

The Blues’ no.10 never gave up, despite not having much share of the ball, and got his reward when he pounced on a loose ball to help set up a tense finale.

It was a goal that kept the game alive and afforded Everton a potential lifeline of taking something away from a game where they always looked second-best.

There is little doubt of Lukaku’s ability, and any failure to hold on to him during the summer, will no doubt leave Everton weaker.