English Premiership
Stoke, Everton in stalemate
2012-12-15 20:02
Kenwyne Jones (Getty Images)
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Stoke - Kenwyne Jones' first Premier League goal of the season preserved Stoke City's unbeaten home record as the Potters drew 1-1 with Everton on Saturday.
A first-half own-goal from Ryan Shawcross had gifted David Moyes' side the lead at the Britannia Stadium, but Jones struck seven minutes after the break as Stoke stretched their undefeated run to seven matches, while Everton drew for the eighth time in their last 11 outings.
The stalemate left Everton fourth on 27 points, two adrift of third-placed Chelsea, as Stoke remained ninth on 24 points and behind Arsenal on goal difference.
Steven Nzonzi wasted an inviting chance to give Stoke the lead as he headed straight at goalkeeper Tim Howard after Jonathan Walters had steered the ball into his teammate's path, while only a fine goalline clearance from Shawcross prevented Steven Naismith from putting the visitors ahead.
However, Shawcross was the villain soon after as he inadvertently headed Steven Pienaar's teasing delivery from the left beyond a helpless Asmir Begovic to hand Everton a 36th-minute lead.
Leon Osman squandered a chance to double the Toffees' advantage when he failed to hit the target after being picked out by Leighton Baines in the Stoke box, but the hosts emerged from the changing rooms after break looking revitalised.
A desperation save from Howard denied Charlie Adam, but there was nothing the US international could do as Jones equalised on 52 minutes, climbing expertly to meet Shawcross' long diagonal ball and plant a header low into the corner.
The Trinidad and Tobago striker then had an opportunity to give Tony Pulis' men the lead but shot wide from close range under pressure from Jagielka.
Everton's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini was fortunate that his headbutt on Shawcross at a corner went unspotted by referee Mark Halsey and his assistants, with Nikica Jelavic subsequently forcing a smart low save from Begovic.
Substitute Cameron Jerome almost made an instant impact for the home side after replacing Adam, drilling just wide of the post after his initial attempt was blocked by Sylvain Distin.
Howard then made a sprawling stop to deny Jerome again before Distin intervened with a vital headed clearance off the line to prevent Peter Crouch from putting Stoke ahead.
Pienaar manufactured a late chance to snatch a winner for Everton, but the South African dragged a tame effort well wide of the mark after running at the hosts' defence.