3-2 v Everton FC - 5 September 2000 - Home

Les Ferdinand was Everton's bogey man again as Spurs staged a stirring comeback at White Hart Lane.

Ferdinand scored his 13th goal in 14 games against Everton to revive Spurs as George Graham's side looked set to feel the full fury of the home fans.

Everton looked impressive as they cruised into a two-goal lead courtesy of Francis Jeffers and Alex Nyarko - but for the second time this season they squandered that advantage.

It made Graham the target for abuse from a small section of the critical Spurs crowd, but the former Arsenal manager had the last laugh with an inspiring second half show.

Sergei Rebrov put Spurs back in business with goals either side of half time, before Ferdinand continued the revival of his injury ravaged career and emerged as Everton's tormentor again.

But it was a bitter end for Everton, who had looked in control until Rebrov pulled a goal back for Spurs deep into first half injury time.

Everton were forced to play Danish international Thomas Gravesen in an unfamiliar central defensive role as boss Walter Smith wrestled with an injury crisis.

And his troubles should have increased inside the first minute when Spurs wasted a gilt-edged opportunity to take the lead.

Darren Anderton's drive was salvaged by Oyvind Leonhardsen, but Steve Carr somehow miscued his cross from point blank range.

Everton soon settled, and if Carr was guilty of a shocking miss, England under-21 striker Jeffers was an even bigger villain two minutes later.

Mark Hughes stepped over Unsworth's pass, leaving Jeffers with time and space only eight yards out, but he steered the ball wide.

Everton's early optimism was increased when Darren Anderton, victim of a foul by Unsworth, was replaced by Stephen Clemence.

And Everton took advantage by going ahead after 17 minutes - the result of a nightmare moment for Spurs' £5m summer signing Ben Thatcher.

Thatcher's attempted back-pass fell well short of Neil Sullivan, and this time Jeffers was not about to waste a second opportunity as he found the back of the net.

And to compound Thatcher's misery, he later trudged off to be substituted by Mauricio Taricco.

Everton extended their advantage four minutes before the interval.

It was a first Everton goal for Nyarko, a £4.5m summer signing from Lens.

The giant Ghanaian cut in from the left flank, and his right foot shot found Sullivan's bottom corner, although the Scotland keeper may feel he should have done better.

The mood of anxiety was increasing inside White Hart Lane, but Spurs were given a lifeline inside first half injury time.

Clemence's free kick was deflected on to a post by Sol Campbell, but Ukrainian striker Rebrov lashed home the rebound for his goal since an £11m move from Dinamo Kiev.

It was the moment that turned Spurs fortunes, and the game fluctuated wildly in the space of a minute just after the hour mark.

Rebrov put Spurs level from the penalty spot on 61 minutes after Gravesen handled in a goalmouth melee, following a brilliant Paul Gerrard save from Campbell's header.

It revived bitter memories for Everton boss Smith, who saw his side clawed back from a two goal lead by Derby County at Goodison Park last week.

And as Everton reeled, Spurs struck again within seconds as bogey man Ferdinand stretched in front of David Weir to score.

Spurs celebrated at the final whistle, but it was a severe setback for Everton as they once again failed to hold a lead.