Everton 1-0 Stoke

Last updated : 25 December 2010 By Dan Buxton

City once again found themselves on the end of a game changing refereeing mistake as they went down by a goal to nil at Goodison Park.

With twenty five minutes left and the game still goalless Tuncay prodded the ball in from close range, only for the referee to disallow it for a foul that nobody else could see. The misery was further compounded when Yakubu won the game with a powerful effort just minutes later.

City had already been on the bad end of big decisions in their last two league games and set about ending a run of three successive defeats when Jones just failed to meet Etherington's early cross before the big striker curled a shot wide on ten minutes.

Everton woke up shortly after and Yakubu tested Begovic before Pienaar curled a shot wide of the post and Neville was denied by a great tackle from Faye.

Faye was involved at the other end just before half time but, after a corner dropped right on his toes, he quickly spun and shot, but his close range effort flew wide.

Impressive teenagers Seamus Coleman and Marc Wilson both went close at the start of the second half when, firstly, Coleman danced through the Potters defence before firing straight at Begovic and then Wilson carried the ball through the midfield before lashing an effort well over the bar.

After Shawcross volleyed effort was blocked on the line the moment of controversy arrived when an Etherington cross was knocked back across the goalmouth,allowing Tuncay to poke his leg between Baines legs and prod the ball into the net, before the amazing decision to disallow the goal was made.

Both sides contined to push with Heitinga and Cahill going close for the Toffee's and Tuncay just failing to tee up Jones in front of goal.

A goal was definately coming and duly arrived in the 68th minute as a scramble inside the Potters box, following a mistake from Faye, allowed Yakubu to tee up Cahill. The Australian midfielder created himself some space before striking the post with his shot from 8 yards, The ball rebounded kindly for the posts, straight to the feet of Yakubu, and the Nigerian cut inside Collins and smashed his shot into the roof of the net.

City introduced Pennant to try and grab an equaliser but despite Etherington dragging a shot wide late on City couldn't force an equaliser and were left frustrated once more.