[AMERICANS ABROAD] Tim Howard came up with two big saves to help Everton hold off Tottenham, 2-1, in the English Premier League on Wednesday. The win moved the Toffees into a tie for 13th place with city rival Liverpool and Blackpool.

Howard made a point-blank save to deny Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart from six yards and tipped Peter Crouch's shot over the bar.

Moments after Howard's save on van der Vaart, Seamus Coleman scored the winning goal for Everton.

The only other American in action on Wednesday was Brad Friedel, who was in goal for Aston Villa's 1-0 loss at home to Sunderland that dropped it into the bottom three of the Premier League for the first time in seven years.

Angry Villa fans called for the firing of French manager Gerard Houllier, who only arrived in the fall.