Australia midfielder Tim Cahill scored a late equaliser and Tim Howard saved Jermain Defoe's stoppage time penalty as Everton came from two goals down to snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against Tottenham yesterday.

David Moyes' injury-ravaged side looked dead and buried with 12 minutes to go at Goodison Park after second half strikes from Defoe and Michael Dawson put Spurs firmly in control.

But Louis Saha came off the bench to reduce the deficit and Cahill headed home four minutes from full time.

Defoe had a chance to win it from the penalty spot but the England striker's kick was kept out by American goalkeeper Howard.

After three successive league defeats, Everton's great escape will feel like a victory, although the Toffees are still just three points and three places above the relegation zone.

Tottenham would have gone third with a win but stay fourth after a meltdown that capped a dispiriting week which also included a League Cup exit at Manchester United.