An emphatic 4-0 victory put Spurs level on points and goal difference with Liverpool in fourth place in the Premier League. Tottenham initially struggled to break down an Everton who had come to Wembley principally to defend, and at the break, only a single goal separated the two sides.
The second half, though, was a different story, with Spurs utterly dominant. Harry Kane doubled the score after a breathtaking run and cross from Son Heung-min and added a third from close range shortly after. The final goal, following a sweeping break culminating in a Dele Alli flick and a Christian Eriksen shot, was the icing on the cake.
Positives
The second half saw Spurs back to their very best -- sharp, incisive breaks at pace rather than the more patient, laboured build-up play that has characterised so many of their performances this season. Kane went past Teddy Sheringham's record of 97 Premier League goals for Spurs, but it was Son's performance that really caught the eye. It was also good to see Mousa Dembele take charge of the midfield.
Negatives
None worthy of mention. This was a complete performance with no weak links. Being picky, Spurs should probably have made their dominance count still further by adding a couple of more goals, but no one can complain at a 4-0 scoreline.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Spurs looked a much more organised and penetrative unit without Moussa Sissoko in the starting lineup. Hopefully, Mauricio Pochettino has finally gotten the message that the French international is not the answer, whatever the question. There were also encouraging signs that Pochettino is learning how best to break down teams that have come intent on putting 10 men behind the ball. Rather than playing a series of short passes through the middle, Spurs unpicked Everton by switching play with quick diagonal balls out to the wings.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Hugo Lloris, 7 -- A quiet afternoon, especially in the second half, when he wasn't required to make a single save. His distribution is still wayward all too often.
DF Serge Aurier, 7 -- Generally secure in defence and showed much promise going forward. Created the first goal with a pinpoint pass to Son. Looks as if he is developing into the real deal.
DF Davinson Sanchez, 7 -- Was given a tough first half by Everton's new signing Cenk Tosun, but generally held his own. An easy second half as the visitors capitulated.
DF Jan Vertonghen, 8 -- Didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon in defence and even made a couple of runs forward. A measure of the control he exerted over Wayne Rooney was that the Everton player resorted to a bad foul on him that brought a deserved yellow card.
DF Ben Davies, 7 -- Another accomplished all-round performance. Though he seldom catches the eye, nor does he often put a foot wrong. There is a nice understanding developing between him and Vertonghen.
MF Eric Dier, 8 -- Relished the opportunity to play in a more advanced role and showed some skilful and delicate touches. Created Kane's second goal with a perfectly weighted cross and allowed Everton little chance to play in midfield.
MF Mousa Dembele, 8 -- His best performance of the season so far, and Spurs look to be a far more effective unit when he is in the starting XI. His strength on the ball and ability to drift past defenders is a joy to behold. His refusal to take on a shot at goal continues to frustrate.
MF Christian Eriksen, 7 -- Helped set up the first goal with a drilled pass across the field out to the unmarked Aurier. Still tends to drift out of the game for long periods and sometimes drifts too deep. But when he does come alive, he is unstoppable and has the knack of ghosting late into the box.
MF Dele Alli, 7 -- Almost back to his very best. But not quite. All too often his final ball is not as precise as it needs to be, and he appears to be lacking confidence in front of a goal. He snatched at one clear chance and sent it straight to the keeper. But he is still capable of the sublime, and his flick to set up Eriksen was world class.
MF Son Heung-min, 9 -- The South Korean is the gift that keeps on giving for Spurs' man of the match. His opening tap-in goal was his fifth in five Wembley outings, but that only tells half the story. His trickery and pace to set up Kane's first was reminiscent of Gareth Bale. Thereafter, he was unstoppable, and the Everton defence visibly panicked whenever he got the ball. Only the post denied him a second goal.
FW Harry Kane, 8 -- Another day, another couple of goals. Kane looked far from his sharpest in the first half, but a measure of his talent is that he doesn't let these things bother him and backs himself to be in the right place at the right time when it counts. His passing game has also reached a new level.
Substitutes
MF Victor Wanyama, NR -- Seems to be back to full match fitness and used his limited time on the pitch to make a compelling case for a place in the starting XI with a commanding midfield display.
MF Moussa Sissoko, NR -- Made a couple of nice breaks but, as all too frequently this season, he failed to play the right final pass when spoiled for options.
MF Erik Lamela, NR -- A late replacement for Eriksen and had no time to make an impact.