Premier League: Norwich 2 Everton 2

7 April 2012 18:33

Norwich City came back twice to draw 2-2 with Everton in a game that saw both teams deservedly share the points at Carrow Road.

Nikica Jelavic opened the scoring for Everton but Norwich replied five minutes before half-time with Jonny Howson equalising for the home side.

Everton then regained the lead in the second half as Jelavic again put the Toffees ahead only to see Grant Holt slot the ball home to ensure the points were shared.

Everton still remain a point clear of Merseyside rivals Liverpool while Norwich lie two points off a 10th-place finish.

Both teams started brightly in the opening 20 minutes of the match but neither could find a finish despite their hard work-rate and determination.

Everton's first genuine chance of the game resulted in a goal for the away side when, on 23 minutes, Phil Neville passed from a free-kick to Phil Jagielka, who sent in a low cross into the box for Jelavic to put a side-footed effort in the back of the net.

Norwich then showed more effort to get forward as Everton had to deal with the increasing pressure the home side started to apply.

On 39 minutes, Norwich finally found a breakthrough with their only genuine chance of the game.

Wesley Hoolahan made a darting run into the box and drove a low cross across the six-yard box for Howson to tap it in and score his first goal for the Canaries.

Leighton Baines, who picked up a yellow card early in the first half, was lucky to stay on the pitch after sliding in high on David Fox.

Norwich continued to get forward and finish the first half on a high, having two penalty shouts turned down by referee Andre Marriner.

The first was a collision between Elliott Bennett and two Everton defenders, while the second was more convincing as Jagielka looked to have blocked Andrew Surman's shot with his hand but the referee again decided not to give a penalty.

After the restart, Norwich started well by applying pressure on the Everton goal with a couple of half-chances.

Howson then tested Tim Howard with a great shot that the keeper could only parry away.

Everton then scored a second goal on the 69th minute thanks to a controversial decision by the referee.

Steven Pienaar obstructed play by trapping the ball between his legs but no foul was given and he played it forward to Jelavic who once again guided the ball into the back of the net.

The goal seemed to deflate Norwich somewhat after their hard work but Holt sent their fans into raptures when he equalised.

Aaron Wilbraham saw his shot saved by Howard but he had the awareness to set up Holt who slotted the ball home for Norwich and make it 2-2.

Both teams had several more chances to win the game but were forced to settle for a draw.