Football

Late penalty rescues point for Everton

Oussama Assaidi’s fourth goal of the season put Stoke ahead but a late penalty from Leighton Baines rescued a point for The Toffees.

Mark Hughes welcomed back Marc Wilson and Glenn Whelan from suspension in place of Wilson Palacios and Andy Wilkinson, whilst Roberto Martinez welcomes back goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Everton went into the game in the top four after their 2-1 win over Southampton, whilst Stoke languished in twelfth with back to back losses after conceding eight goals in their last two games.

Stoke’s first real chance fell to an inform Assaidi, after Jon Walters crossed the ball from the right Charlie Adam missed it and the Moroccan fired a shot straight at Tim Howard.

Kevin Mirallas responded with a superb strike which beat everyone except the Stoke crossbar before the Belgian fired his free kick at Thomas Sorenson’s post.

The Potters brought on Jack Butland for his Premier League debut in a second half change for the injured Sorenson.

Assaidi found the breakthrough early in the second half when the ball dropped to the on-loan Liverpool midfielder outside the area and he sliced his shot from 22 yards low past Howard for his third goal in six games.

The Toffees tried to respond through Leighton Baines but skipper Ryan Shawcross headed clear.

Baines crossed for Mirallas and the winger stuck the ball towards goal from 12 yards but Eric Pieters made a fantastic block to keep The Potters in front.

But Jermaine Pennant’s foul on Leon Osman in the closing stages allowed referee Andre Marriner to point to the spot. Leighton Baines stepped up and sent Butland the wrong way to seal a point but Everton still drop out of the top four.

 

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