Everton continued their run without scoring into a third consecutive game after a 0-0 draw at Ewood Park. Although Blackburn had the most of the possession, the offensive chances were all Everton’s, but they failed to convert. Everton thought they had won it in the 85th minute when Andy Johnson slotted home after James Vaughan seemed to chase down a lost cause, but AJ was adjudged - unfairly, to be offside.

Tim Cahill and Leon Osman both recovered in time to start for Everton, and both seemed to add the extra dimension of attack that Everton were lacking against Tottenham. The first half was a dull affair, void of any real chances. Although, the game livened up in the second half. 65 minutes in, Manuel Fernandes nearly marked his return to Everton with a goal, but his 25-yard free-kick hit the post. Everton continued to pile balls into the box, but the results didn’t follow.

Then came a spark of magic. A long ball into the Blackburn half was missed by a defender, and it left James Vaughan in a chase against Brad Freidel. JV was first to slide to the ball, which he squared to AJ, who duly finished. The goal was then amazingly ruled out by the linesman, to the anger of Everton manager David Moyes.

The match was full of hostility, as both Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta squared up to the linesman. There were also two on the pitch scraps - Manuel Fernandes and Tim Cahill both booked for their part in the respective events.