Howard Webb took centre stage at the Stadium of Light after his controversial penalty decision allowed Everton claim a well deserved point against rejuvenated Sunderland.
The World Cup final referee pointed to the spot after Leon Osman mis-kicked in the penalty area and fell to the ground with Leighton Baines converting from 12-yards after Jack Colback had given the home side a first half lead. The Toffee’s dominated for much of the game but their profligacy in front of goal cost them again with Baines whipping in a series of fine crosses from the left in what was an accomplished display from the defender. For Sunderland the draw means they haven’t beaten Everton in their last 14 encounters although there has been some progressing under new boss Martin O’Neill who claimed his seventh point from a possible 12 since taking over from Steve Bruce.
Confidence oozed out of the Black Cats as they went into this game looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season after beating QPR last Wednesday. They were pegged back for much of the first half though as the visitors dominated with Tim Cahill and Louis Saha both having chances to score with the former still yet to score in 2011. The Australian has an impressive goal scoring record against Sunderland but couldn’t find the net on his occasion with Kieron Westwood saving his effort from eight-yards before watching his header fly past the post. Saha also had opportunities to score and should have done better when meeting Royston Drenthe’s corner but could only head wide from close range. Despite being on the back foot for much of the opening half hour the home side suddenly burst into life and took the lead through Colback who fired crisply across goal with the ball clipping Sylvain Distin on it’s way past Tim Howard after Stephane Sessegnon burst into the area and teed him up.
Everton still managed to fashion more opportunities before the break with Leon Osman curling wide and Drenthe driving an effort wide from long range. It didn’t take them long to find the net after the break with David Moyes’ side benefiting from a huge stroke of luck after Webb awarded a penalty for a foul on Osman. The home support were incensed by the decision after midfielder appeared to loose his footing with Webb adjudging Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown had caused him to fall despite making no contact. Baines took no prisoners smashing the ball past Westwood and into the top corner before Drenthe tangled with Craig Gardner in the area with Webb waving away the protests this time. That seemed to take the sting out of the game with no clear cut chances being presented to either side although both seemed content to take a point.
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