Sean Dyche lauds Everton for playing ‘with pride’ against Tottenham, says Michael Keane has ‘some quality’

Tottenham looked to have three points wrapped up on Monday night when Abdoulaye Doucoure’s red card was followed up by a Harry Kane spot-kick.

However Lucas Moura saw red for an ugly challenge on Keane, before the Everton defender scored an astonishing late strike to leave the scores level.

Asked about Keane’s return to the side having been out of favour under Frank Lampard, Dyche told Sky Sports: “He’s been in fine form on the training pitch. I’ve remarked on it, he’s been training with clarity, during the international break and it doesn’t surprise me. He has some quality.

“It’s a tough call, but the margins are tight who you’re picking. Away at Arsenal, you can’t judge him on one, he needs another game and he’s responded ever since.”

Dyche was ultimately disappointed to take just the one point, saying: “I think the whole stadium thought we would get a winner. I know I did.

“It is another step in the right direction. It is only a point but it’s a meaningful point. The mentality is going from strength to strength.

“It’s been fantastic. The energy the fans are giving the team is just fantastic. It means a lot to players. The players are wearing the shirt with pride.”

After the match, Keane said of his goal: “I am buzzing. You won’t believe but I do hit the ball like that every now and again in training. To see one come off is amazing. After giving away the penalty to make up for it, I am buzzing.

“I saw a space open up in the middle of the pitch. I didn’t feel it come off my foot, I hit it so sweetly. I was in shock. It was swerving away from Lloris, so I knew it had a chance.”

Tottenham are now in fourth place, level on points with Newcastle in third and Manchester United in fifth, but have played two more games than either side.

Everton moved up to 15th, but four clubs below them have a game in hand.