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Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Everton
Match Reports, 19:14, November 30, 2008 ,
Steven Pienaar grabbed the only goal of the game as Everton recorded a superb 1-0 victory over a lacklustre Spurs side.
Pienaar struck just six minutes into the second half to seal a fine win for the Blues while defeat for Spurs, their first defeat at home under Harry Redknapp, leaves them two places above the relegation zone.
The match began in scrappy fashion with both sides attempting to play too directly.
In fact, the frenetic opening looked to have cost Everton as lone striker Yakubu was forced off the field after just ten minutes to be replaced by Louis Saha.
However, as the half wore on, Spurs' new-found confidence appeared to waver and David Moyes' side looked to capitalise on the confusion surrounding Tottenham stopper Heurelho Gomes as they threw bodies into the six-yard box at every opportunity. For once though, the Brazilian keeper dealt with everything in an assured manner.
Everton weren't to be denied though as they continued to press at the start of the second period and South African livewire Pienaar found himself with time and space to curl superbly past Gomes to give the Toffees a 51st-minute advantage.
Spurs looked a little short of ideas for much of the contest with David Bentley's usually dangerous delivery being expertly dealt with by the Everton back four and groans of frustration began to once more emanate from the crowd.
Deep into injury time though, the home side had a glorious chance to steal a dramatic point. Bentley arched a devilish cross between defenders and goalkeeper for Roman Pavlyuchenko, but the Russian's header was superbly blocked, at point-blank range, by Tim Howard.