A sublime hat-trick by Robbie Keane helped Spurs to an extraordinary victory over Everton after a thrilling game at White Hart Lane.

Both teams contributed to an end-to-end encounter, but it was the Irishman's cool head which provided the decisive factor.

His fine finish on 83 minutes past Spurs former keeper Espen Baardsen proved the decisive goal and lifted Spurs to eighth in the Premiership.

David Moyes had the consolation of seeing debutant Brian McBride open his Everton account, but the Toffees' valiant display yielded nothing.

Baardsen was given a late call-up after Richard Wright hurt his knee in the warm-up, but Moyes' team were not unsettled by the late change.

Everton enjoyed the greater possession in a scrappy opening, and took the lead after 10 minutes.

Tomasz Radzinski found Scot Gemmill who picked out McBride with a pinpoint pass, and the American showed tremendous cool to fire under compatriot Kasey Keller from 15 yards.

But the Toffees' joy was short-lived as Spurs equalised inside four minutes.

Photos from White Hart Lane Gus Poyet was the scorer, redirecting Simon Davies' header past Baardsen.

Steve Watson forced a fine save from Keller, then saw a shot blocked by Ledley King as the match opened up.

Everton were on top and a Radzinski piledriver whizzed just over, although for Spurs Darren Anderton stung Baardsen's hands with a powerful strike.

Anderton also whipped in a free-kick which was inches away from being turned in as the match continued to ebb and flow.

For the Toffees, Alan Stubbs blasted a free-kick just wide and shortly afterwards Watson failed to make a good connection with a dangerous cross.

The second half began with an Alessandro Pistone shot which Keller grabbed at the second attempt - but Spurs were soon ahead.

Anderton's long ball found Keane, who beat the offside trap and controlled the ball brilliantly before rounding Baardsen and slotting home.

Davies then forced a fabulous save from Baardsen as Spurs piled forward, but Hoddle's men soon found themselves pegged back.

Keller had already produced a great save from Stubbs, but from Li Tie's cross, Steffen Iversen was unable to clear and Watson fired the loose ball home.

Keane curled one just wide on 66 minutes - but the Irishman's disappointment turned to ecstasy two minutes later as he scored a fine goal.

He controlled Anderton's pass and produced a delightful turn before hammering an unstoppable low drive past Baardsen.

Iversen lobbed wide as Spurs looked to seal the game, yet on 74 minutes it was Everton celebrating again.

Li Tie's pass was cleverly turned forward by Watson into the path of Radzinski who shot past Keller with some aplomb.

There was no let-up in the drama for the enthralled crowd as Anderton's free-kick flew just wide on 80 minutes.

And the name of Keane resounded around White Hart Lane as he latched on to the ball after a blunder by Stubbs and coolly finished past Baardsen.

KEY MOMENTS 10 mins: McBride's goal marks a great start to his Everton career 14 mins: Poyet levels almost immediately 50 mins: Keane puts Spurs in front 58 mins: Watson fires the Toffees level 68 mins: Keane's second restores Spurs' lead 74 mins: Radzinski equalises again with his eighth of the season 83 mins: Keane completes his hat-trick with a lovely finish