Seventh Heaven looks to be Everton FC’s after a battling point against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
The Toffees extended their lead over Merseyside rivals Liverpool — who lost 1-0 at home to Fulham — to three points with just two league games remaining. Boasting a superior goal difference, Everton can all-but ensure they finish above their neighbours for the first time since 2005 with victory at Wolves this weekend.
David Moyes’ side are now unbeaten in seven Premier League games, losing just two of their last 16 since January. It has been an impressive run of form. They will, however, view this as two points lost, having led through an own goal by Peter Crouch — a former Liverpool striker — and having looked in control for much of the match.
Moyes made two enforced changes from the side which had won so convincingly against Fulham at the weekend. Both Phil Neville and Darron Gibson picked up minor knocks in that 4-0 success, and were replaced in the starting eleven by Tim Cahill and Victor Anichebe.
Tony Pulis, who had spoken in his programme notes of how Stoke were hoping to “emulate” the Everton model of affording their manager time and patience, made three changes following his side’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
