Premier League
Everton
Dec 3, 2014 7.45pm
1
1
HT : 1 0
FT
Hull City
  • Romelu Lukaku 34' goal
  • Leighton Baines 78' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Michael Dawson 24'
  • goal Sone Aluko 59'

Live Commentary: Everton 1-1 Hull City - as it happened

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Everton 1-1 Hull City - as it happened
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Hull City ended a run of four successive defeats by claiming a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park this evening.

In a tight contest between two sides looking to bounce back from defeats on the weekend, it was Everton who broke the deadlock when Romelu Lukaku beat Allan McGregor with a powerful finish.

Hull responded impressively after the break, and they earned a point thanks to a fine low strike from substitute Sone Aluko.

Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.

9.43pmThanks for following our live text coverage of the game. Make sure you keep an eye out for analysis and ratings from all of tonight's Premier League games. Goodnight.

9.40pmIt's all over at Goodison Park. There are jeers from the home supporters as Everton are denied victory on Merseyside once again. Aluko ends Hull's losing run, and Bruce will be delighted with how his side responded in the second half.

9.39pmFULL TIME: EVERTON 1-1 HULL

90+7 minThe home supporters are left disappointed when Pienaar fails to read the run of Baines and passes the ball out of play. It's not been a great cameo from the South African in the second half.

90+5 minBoth teams appear to be tiring at Goodison Park in stoppage time. The pace has slowed, and it's getting scrappy in the middle of the pitch.

90+3 minAluko is down after clashing heads with Distin. Both should be fine to continue, but stoppage time could go on for even longer.

90+1 minThe fourth official confirms that there will be six minutes added on.

90 minBrady should do much better when he collects the ball in space. Jelavic makes a very good run, but the pass to the striker is too strong.

89 minSUBSTITUTION: Quinn takes his time leaving the field as Robertson comes on for the final few minutes of the game.

88 minBruce will be impressed with Hull, who are seeing a lot of the ball late on. Jelavic is holding up play well, but the visitors can't find the space they need in the final third of the pitch. In truth, this will be a good point for the Tigers.

86 minSUBSTITUTION: We're running out of time to see a winner at Goodison park. Bruce makes another change as Meyler, who looks to have hurt his knee, is replaced by Brady.

83 minEverton win a free kick in a good position, and Barkley delivers an excellent cross into the six-yard box. Chester, under pressure from Lukaku, does superbly to clear the ball.

82 minLukaku drops deeper to collect the ball before picking out Pienaar, who exchanges passes with Baines and looks set to unleash an effort. However, Dawson recovers well to come across and make a crucial tackle.

80 minSUBSTITUTION: Martinez makes the change he hopes will make the difference as Aiden McGeady comes on to replace Besic. That's a very positive substitution, with only Barry left to offer protection for the home defence.

78 minYELLOW CARD! Baines picks up a booking for a late tackle on Elmohamady, who limps away in a lot of pain. He'll try to continue.

77 min

74 minHull survive another spell of pressure from Everton as a poor corner from Baines is headed away by Dawson, who has improved in the second half.

72 minThere's a few groans from the home fans when an extended spell of possession comes to nothing. Surprisingly, Lukaku is starting to look isolated in attack again. Martinez may need to make changes again soon.

70 minEverton are starting to see more of the ball again, but Hull have grown in confidence at both ends of the pitch. It could go either way at Goodison Park. Will Hull take more risks late on?

67 minGood work on the left from Barkley as he finds Pienaar in space, but his flick into the box is just behind Lukaku and Meyler manages to clear the danger.

64 minSUBSTITUTION: Martinez makes a surprising change as the impressive Mirallas comes off to be replaced by Steven Pienaar.

63 minWhere has this Hull response come from? Bruce's side look the sharper of the two sides now. The way the two teams are attacking, you feel there are more goals to come in this game.

61 minCHANCE! Aluko is on fire! He creates more space for himself with another tricky run before picking out Jelavic, who is about a yard away from giving Hull the lead with a header.

60 minGoodison Park is left shocked as Aluko equalises for the visitors. It's a brilliant piece of play from the substitute as he turns Distin inside out before beating Howard at the near post with a powerful strike. Distin and Howard may both feel they could have done better.

59 minGOAL! EVERTON 1-1 HULL (ALUKO)

57 minHalf chance for Lukaku as Mirallas finds a yard of space to fire a pass into the striker, who can only send an effort over the crossbar. Both Belgians have been very good tonight.

54 minThe big concern for Hull is that Diame appeared to be limping off when he was substituted a few moments ago. Bruce will be hoping that the midfielder has not damaged his knee once again. Baines is back on, though. It was a blow to the nose which had caused him a problem.

53 minSUBSTITUTION: Bruce makes his first change as Sone Aluko comes off the bench to replace Diame. That move should see Hull switch to a classic 4-4-2.

51 minBaines appears to have picked up a knock, and he calls the medical staff on for some treatment. Everton will be hoping the injury isn't serious. It looks like he will try to continue.

50 minSHOT! Lukaku holds the ball up well before picking out Mirallas, whose clever chipped effort is too high to trouble McGregor. The Belgian duo are causing plenty of problems for the visiting defence.

47 minDecent start to the second half from Hull as an error from Baines plays in Diame, who ignores Jelavic in the middle before being dispossessed. Everton then only half clear a corner, and the hosts are fortunate to see Diame miss Meyler's cross at the back post.

8.46pmThe two sides have emerged from the tunnel for the second half. No changes from either manager at the break. Hull will get the game back underway.

8.43pmBENCH WATCH: We've seen Bruce change Hull's shape on a number of occasions this season, but I'm not sure if he'll want to alter the formation at the interval. Yannick Sagbo and Sone Aluko could both come off the bench to provide support for Jelavic. Robbie Brady may be introduced to give the visitors more creativity in midfield.

8.39pmWhat do Hull need to do to avoid another loss? Defensively, they were solid for long periods, but Dawson and Rosenior have both looked vulnerable when Mirallas has found the space to run at the visitors. Jelavic has worked his socks off in attack. Diame was enjoying success early in the game, but he's struggled to get close to the Croatian forward since Lukaku's strike.

8.37pm

8.33pmThe first half comes to an end at Goodison Park. It was tight for long spells, but a moment of magic from Mirallas and Lukaku has given Everton the advantage. Since the goal, Hull have struggled to contain the hosts. Are Hull on course to continue their poor run of form?

8.31pmHALF TIME: EVERTON 1-0 HULL

45 minThe fourth official confirms that there will be just one minute added on.

44 minJagielka does well to find space inside the box to meet a corner from Baines, but he fails to find the target with a powerful header.

43 minHull were keeping it tight in midfield, but the likes of Huddlestone and Livermore are nothing more than passengers at the moment. Barry and Besic are pulling the strings from deeper positions, which is allowing Mirallas, Osman and Barkley to stay further forward.

41 minHull need to relieve the pressure. Mirallas is causing chaos on the wing with his pace and trickery. Dawson manages to clear a couple of crosses, but Lukaku is just inches away from heading home a second at the near post.

39 minA clever pass from Besic releases Baines, who wins a free kick when Meyler arrives on the scene with a late challenge. The free kick is cleared, but Everton keep the pressure on. Both Dawson and Elmohamady make crucial blocks to deny Osman and Lukaku.

38 min

37 minHull were matching Everton before that goal, but can a team lacking confidence respond to the setback? Bruce needs his side to remain positive at both ends of the pitch.

35 minBrilliant from Everton! Moments after Osman fails to turn in a Mirallas cross at the back post, the hosts take the lead with an excellent move. Mirallas causes problems once again with a good run and his cross to the back post allows Lukaku to beat McGregor with a powerful finish.

34 minGOAL! EVERTON 1-0 HULL (LUKAKU)

31 minBesic has been impressive in the middle of the park, but he's lucky to get away with just a warning after catching Huddlestone with a late tackle.

30 minEverton need to get the ball to Lukaku more often. Hull are flooding the midfield to prevent Osman and Barkley from getting close to the Belgian striker. It's been a promising defensive display from the visitors in the first half.

27 minCHANCE! Elmohamady collects the ball in space on the right wing and picks out Jelavic with a fine cross. However, the Croatian is unable to hit the target with his header on the stretch.

25 minYELLOW CARD! Mirallas frightens Dawson with his pace, and the Hull defender picks up the first booking of the game with a lazy tackle. It's Mirallas who steps up to take the free kick, but his effort is easily saved by McGregor.

23 minSuperb from Barkley as he breezes past a couple of defenders before curling a brilliant cross towards Distin, who is inches away from reaching the ball with his head.

21 minEverton want a penalty when Lukaku's effort strikes Rosenior. The home supporters are convinced it's a handball, but the referee was right not to point to the spot.

20 minHull have just dropped off in the last couple of minutes to survive the Everton pressure, but they were certainly having more joy when pressing the hosts further up the pitch. No clear chances for either side yet.

17 minMuch better from the hosts now. Barkley is at the heart of the move as he links with Baines and Lukaku before playing in Coleman, but the shot is deflected behind for a corner. Hull recover well to clear the danger.

15 minClever play from Besic as he evades a couple of challenges before picking out Coleman, whose cross is uncharacteristically poor with Mirallas waiting to add the finishing touch in the box.

14 minLovely move from Everton as Besic fires the ball into Osman, whose clever touch finds Lukaku in space. The Belgian forward unleashes a powerful effort, but it's an easy save for McGregor.

12 minIt may be early in the game, but the Everton supporters aren't happy with what they're seeing. Hull look the sharper of the two teams. Bruce's side look ready to produce a response to their poor form tonight.

11 minEverton have been on the back foot in the past few minutes, but Bruce needs to see his side turn pressure into clear chances early in the game. Neither Barry or Besic can find the space they need in a congested midfield.

9 minWhen Hull do win the ball back, they're finding space on the wing, which will be a concern for Martinez and the hosts. The visitors put the pressure on with a couple of good crosses into the box. Jelavic then meets a cross with a good header, but a deflection off the head of Distin allows Howard to collect.

8 minVery little attacking play in the early stages of the game. Diame is playing just off Jelavic, and both players are doing a very good job of putting pressure on the Everton defenders.

6 minSurprisingly, Barkely has been on the left in the early stages of the game. He did pretty well in that position on Sunday, but you do feel that he will make more of an impact in the middle. Osman is playing behind Lukaku at the moment. Barkley, Osman and Mirallas will have licence to switch positions.

3 minGood work from Dawson to step in and make a vital clearance before Lukaku can connect with a cross in the box.

2 minEverton look comfortable in possession early on. Hull need to disrupt the home side's passing rhythm to prevent the likes of Barry and Besic from dictating the tempo.

7.45pmEverton will get the game underway.

7.42pmThe players are on their way out of the tunnel at Goodison Park. Kickoff is just a few minutes away!

7.40pmRobert Madley is the man in the middle tonight. The referee has taken charge of just two Premier League games this season. Let's hope his third fixture passes by without controversy.

7.36pmPREDICTION: Hull need a result, there's no doubt about it, but this could be another difficult evening for them. Everton will be desperate to close to the gap on their rivals above them. I'll go for a 3-1 home win.

7.32pmSTAT: Everton have won four of the six Premier League meetings with Hull (W4, D1, L1), including all three at Goodison Park. Can Hull improve their record against the Toffees tonight?

7.29pmA reminder that you can follow live coverage of all four of tonight's Premier League games by clicking on the fixtures in the scores box on the right page. It promises to be another dramatic night at both ends of the table.

7.27pmKEY BATTLE: When Everton play well, Lukaku is usually at the heart of most of their attacks. Bruce's decision to leave out Davies was a big call, but he'll be hoping that Dawson can lead the defence this evening. Dawson will need to keep Lukaku's back to goal as often as possible. If Lukaku can find the space to run at the visiting defence, Dawson's lack of pace will be exposed.

7.23pmAs mentioned earlier, McCarthy played a key role in helping Everton to two wins over Hull last season, but he remains on the sidelines tonight due to injury. His absence is a big blow to the Toffees. The Irish midfielder keeps Everton ticking over in defence and attack with his brilliant positioning and clever passing. It should come as little surprise to see Arsenal linked with the 24-year-old.

7.20pmKickoff is just 25 minutes away now, so it's a good time to see what the Sports Mole pundits are expecting from tonight's game at Goodison Park.
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7.16pmAhead of the game, Tim Howard insisted that Everton's confidence is still high following the loss to Spurs on Sunday. "We're not a team, and our manager isn't a manager, who dwells on results, we're just looking forward to the Hull game now," the American told reporters. "We're at home, it'll be an opportunity for us to get three points and we are confident we can do that, so we go again.

7.14pmEverton won both of the meetings between these two sides last season. Steven Pienaar scored the winner in a 2-1 victory at Goodison Park last October, and the Toffees completed the double by winning 2-0 at the KC Stadium in March thanks to goals from James McCarthy and Lukaku.

7.10pm

7.08pmNikica Jelavic returns to the club he left in January looking to lead his current side out of an extended slump. On his day, the Croatian can be a nightmare for Premier League defenders, but he is only just beginning to regain match sharpness again following a spell out with injury. In his pre-match press conference, Bruce claimed that losing the striker was a key factor behind his side's poor run. Can Jelavic produce his best tonight?

7.04pmThe omission of Davies from the starting lineup may come as a surprise to some. Davies played such a key role in Hull's success last season, but his form has suffered during the team's struggles in the current campaign. The pressure is on Michael Dawson and James Chester to put in big performances tonight as they look to handle the threat of Romelu Lukaku.

7.02pmBruce has responded to the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United by making four changes. An injury to Hatem Ben Arfa means that he misses out on a place in the squad. Curtis Davies, Robbie Brady and Andrew Robertson drop to the bench as Tom Huddlestone, Stephen Quinn, Liam Rosenior and David Meyler return. Plenty of big calls from the Hull boss.

6.58pmHULL: McGregor, Elmohamady, Rosenior, Chester, Dawson, Livermore, Huddlestone, Meyler, Diame, Quinn, Jelavic SUBS: Jakupovic, Bruce, Davies, Robertson, Brady, Aluko, Sagbo

6.56pmThe teams are in at Goodison Park. Martinez makes just one change following Sunday's disappointment in North London. Samuel Eto'o drops to the bench to make way for Leon Osman. That change is likely to see Ross Barkley move into a central position after being used out wide for long spells against Spurs.

6.53pmEVERTON: Howard, Coleman, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Besic, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley, Osman, Lukaku SUBS: Robles, Hibbert, Garbutt, Pienaar, Atsu, McGeady, Eto'o

6.51pmQuite simply, Roberto Martinez will want to see a response tonight. The Spaniard was pretty happy with how Everton played at White Hart Lane, despite the defeat, but he'll want them to be back to their best tonight. Before the loss to Spurs, Everton had gone eight games without a loss in all competitions.

6.48pmIt doesn't get any easier for Hull tonight as they take on an Everton side that looked to be close to their best form before suffering a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Steve Bruce needs his team to get back to winning ways before the fixtures begin to pile up over Christmas. It's four successive losses and six games without a win heading into this game.

6.45pmGood evening everyone! The midweek treat of Premier League games continues tonight as Hull City make the trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton. Steve Bruce's side are looking for their first win since the start of October, while Everton are aiming to return to the top half of the table.
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