Tim Cahill ensured Everton moved to within a point of seventh place after a 3-2 win over Blackburn.
Late flurry of goals sees Everton find winner in last minute
Tim Cahill ensured Everton moved to within a point of seventh place after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
The visitors were a goal up after just four minutes when Mikel Arteta won and converted a penalty after being tripped up inside the area by Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen.
The Spaniard was then fortunate to remain on the field after clearly poking Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen in the eye with his finger, for which referee Andre Marriner only brandished a yellow card.
The Toffees remained a goal up until after the break before a fantastic strike from Steven N'Zonzi levelled up the score on 69 mintues.
Everton regained the lead on 79 minutes through influential substitute Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who had been on the field barely 20 seconds, before fellow substitute Jason Roberts evened things up once more just two minutes later.
There was yet another late twist in the tale, however, as Cahill tapped in a winner in the 90th minute to secure a vital win in Everton's late push for European football next season.
Blackburn made a start which would have infuriated manager Sam Allardyce, whose defence seemed half-asleep when Arteta picked up the ball on the right of the area.
Penalty
The Spaniard turned Gael Givet and was in the process of doing the same to Nelsen when the Rovers captain dived in and brought him down with his trailing leg.
Arteta converted from the spot to become the first person to beat Paul Robinson since Birmingham forward James McFadden's goal on 24th March, ending an unblemished record of more than five hours.
Rovers' response was encouraging though and they gradually built momentum to the point where Everton were pleased to hear the half-time whistle.
Had David Dunn and Nikola Kalinic not got in each other's way trying to get on the end of Nelsen's header in the six-yard area Cahill's goalline clearance could have been much trickier than it was.
Set-pieces were causing problems for Everton with goalkeeper Tim Howard looking particularly troubled by Rovers' tactic of standing Dunn directly in front of him.
The referee's performance was in danger of overshadowing the game taking place around him as Cahill's late challenge on Dunn warranted only a warning.
In spite of the official, Blackburn carved out a few half-chances, with Martin Olsson's goalbound left-foot volley unluckily blocked by Dunn, who himself was then denied by Phil Jagielka's block.
Just before the break Keith Andrews' drive was saved at the second attempt by Howard, who would have been pleased to find respite in the dressing room.
The interval benefited Everton as they re-asserted their authority and twice could have extended their advantage.
Cahill's last 11 league goals have all been with his head so when Hibbert lofted a 57th-minute cross to the far post and the Australian got in front of his marker it was a major surprise when he failed to hit the target.
Thunderous
Then Leighton Baines' thunderous 25-yard strike cannoned off the outside of Robinson's right-hand post with the goalkeeper motionless.
But where the Everton left-back failed, Steven Nzonzi succeeded in the 68th minute.
There appeared to be little danger when Dunn played the ball back to him but he side-stepped Arteta, advanced and blasted a swerving 30-yard shot past Howard.
The goal was just the confidence boost Rovers needed and Everton looked rattled as Nelsen headed Dunn's free-kick on to the top of the net.
But having tested their opponents all afternoon with set-pieces Blackburn fell victim to one themselves.
Baines' 78th-minute long-throw was flicked on by substitute Victor Anichebe and Yakubu bundled the ball home with his first touch.
Rovers' response was instant as less than two minutes later Kalinic helped the ball forward for Roberts to thrash a 20-yard shot past Howard.
The feeling was there was still another goal left in the game and it went to Everton in the 90th minute.
Yakubu somehow found space on the left of the area and rolled a pass into the six-yard box where Cahill tapped home to deny Blackburn a point.
| Blackburn Rovers |
Team Statistics |
Everton |
| 2 |
Goals |
3 |
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
1 |
| 6 |
Shots on Target |
5 |
| 4 |
Shots off Target |
6 |
| 9 |
Blocked Shots |
1 |
| 4 |
Corners |
2 |
| 15 |
Fouls |
13 |
| 3 |
Offsides |
0 |
| 3 |
Yellow Cards |
2 |
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
| 54.5 |
Passing Success |
78.6 |
| 16 |
Tackles |
22 |
| 75 |
Tackles Success |
95.5 |
| 36.8 |
Possession |
63.2 |
| 43.4 |
Territorial Advantage |
56.6 |
|
