Everton and Tottenham Hotspur played out a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park this afternoon.
It meant that both sides passed up the opportunity to move up to second in the Premier League table behind leaders Arsenal.
Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the clash to determine if either side can argue that their performance was deserving of the three points.
Match statistics:
Everton:
Shots 8
On target 1
Possession 52%
Corners 7
Fouls 11
Tottenham:
Shots 16
On target 6
Possession 48%
Corners 4
Fouls 9
Was the result fair?
In terms of shots at goal, this was no contest. Tim Howard was much the busier of the two goalkeepers, but it would be fair to say that the Everton keeper was not overly stretched on too many occasions. Visiting Spurs are likely to be heading back to North London with a sense of disappointment, but they didn't do enough to claim the three points. All in all, a share of the spoils was just about fair.
Everton's performance
Having seen his side play some very good passing football at times this campaign, manager Roberto Martinez is likely to be a little subdued when he reflects on this encounter. The Toffees, particularly during the first half, were lacklustre and couldn't find any rhythm. Credit should go to their defence, though, because they stood firm and largely limited their visitors to shots from distance.
Tottenham's performance
For all the chances that Spurs created, there were not too many that left one thinking 'he should have scored that'. They've now scored nine goals in 10 Premier League matches and you can see why. Roberto Soldado was far too isolated up front on his own. What's more, he was often marked by both of the Everton centre-backs, which meant that only a mistake would allow him a chance on goal. They may be fourth in the standings, but there is plenty of work for manager Andre Villas-Boas to do in terms of his attacking formation. Defensively, they don't have a problem. Every member of the rearguard appears to know their role and responsibility.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Jan Vertonghen: He may be more comfortable in the centre of defence, but today Tottenham's Belgium international showed that he is a more than capable left-back. Not only did he carry out his defensive duties with minimal fuss (although he may have been lucky to get away with a foul on Seamus Coleman inside the area), but he also caused problems in the Everton half.
Biggest gaffe
Soldado has struggled to score from open play since he joined Spurs in the summer and his woes continued today. You'd expect him to at least work the goalkeeper with a headed chance from eight years out, but his effort from Aaron Lennon's cross during the first half flew harmlessly wide of the target. It summed up his Tottenham career to date.
Referee performance
Not an afternoon that Kevin Friend will want to remember, if the truth be told. While you can understand why he waved away Tottenham's penalty shout during the first half, his decision not to blow for an Everton spot kick after the restart was a little baffling. He may have allowed the game to flow, but he ultimately got the big decisions wrong.
What next?
Everton: Next weekend Martinez's side make the trip to London to face the Premier League's basement team Crystal Palace.
Tottenham: Attention turns to the Europa League on Thursday evening when they play host to Sheriff Tiraspol at White Hart Lane.
Liam Apicella
