Soccer: Everton leave Tottenham searching

LONDON - Everton made it two wins out of two in the Premier League on Wednesday (NZ time) with a 3-1 away defeat of Tottenham Hotspur who have yet to pick up a point this season.

Tottenham, pre-season tips to challenge for a top-four place, were stunned after two minutes when Mikel Arteta's flighted free kick from the right was met by a downward header from Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

Centre back Anthony Gardner headed an equaliser after 25 minutes but Everton regained the lead when Leon Osman punished more defensive uncertainty and Alan Stubbs made it 3-1 with a wickedly deflected free kick in first-half stoppage time.

Dimitar Berbatov headed against the post and Jermain Defoe's volley was well saved by Tim Howard but Andy Johnson came close to adding to Tottenham's misery in the second half.

- REUTERS