Aaron Lennon on target as improved Everton hold Tottenham to Premier League draw

Aaron Lennon scored against his former club as Everton displayed rediscovered resolve in a 1-1 draw at home to Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Everton had lost their two previous home games, 3-2 against Leicester City and 4-3 against Stoke City, but they took a 22nd-minute lead when Lennon converted Romelu Lukaku’s knock-down with a neatly controlled half-volley.

Dele Alli deftly volleyed home a brilliant equaliser in first-half stoppage time, but it was Everton who finished the game nursing the greater regrets, with substitute Muhamed Besic going close.

Everton remain 11th, nine points below Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham, who squandered an opportunity to re-establish a five-point lead over fifth-place Manchester United.

Instead their cushion in the final Champions League berth has been trimmed to three points, while they now trail leaders – and arch rivals – Arsenal by six.

“Normally we have music in the dressing room,” Pochettino said after the draw. “We did not after this game because we are disappointed. Maybe tomorrow we can feel proud we have a point but now we feel this is two points lost.