Hull City avoided a fifth successive defeat by coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park this evening.
Romelu Lukaku handed Everton the lead with a powerful finish from a Kevin Mirallas cross, but Sone Aluko ensured that the visitors left Merseyside with a point after coming off the bench to equalise in the 59th minute.
Below, Sports Mole looks at the key talking points from the game.
Match statistics
EVERTON
Shots: 13
On target: 5
Possession: 58%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 8
HULL CITY
Shots: 8
On target: 1
Possession: 42%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12
Was the result fair?
The statistics may suggest that Everton dominated the game, but Hull performed well enough at both ends of the pitch to deserve the point they collected. For long spells, Hull appeared to be the hungrier of the two sides and they could have enjoyed more success with some extra quality in attack. Everton had plenty of the ball in the final third, but they lacked a cutting edge. On balance, a draw was a fair result.
Everton's performance
There were signs that Everton were back to their best, but long spells of keeping the ball rarely resulted in the hosts creating clear chances for Lukaku, who faded after breaking the deadlock. There were groans from the home fans during the game and jeers after, largely due to Everton's inability to turn possession into goals. Hull's determined defence made life difficult for the likes of Ross Barkley and Leon Osman, and Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman surprised by struggling with their end product. Throughout the season, consistency has been a problem. Everton must start building on promising starts.
Hull's performance
It was an improvement, and that's what will please Steve Bruce most. After weeks of being put on the back foot by opponents, Hull made a positive impact in defence and attack to recover impressively following Lukaku's opener. Goals will continue to be a problem unless the Tigers can provide better service to Nikica Jelavic, who impressed on his return to Goodison Park. Michael Dawson and James Chester struggled early on in the game, but they led by example in the second half to keep Lukaku from dominating. Hull haven't won since the start of October, but if they continue to play like this, that run will come to an end sooner rather than later.
Sports Mole's man of the match
James Chester: Mirallas is slightly unlucky not to get this honour for an excellent display before he was taken off just after the hour mark. However, Chester deserves all of the praise he is likely to receive from his manager. It was a big call to leave club captain Curtis Davies out of the team, but Chester proved that he can lead the Hull defence with a brilliant display full of tackles, clearances and vital interceptions.
Biggest gaffe
Baines almost gifted a goal to the visitors in the second half with a terrible clearance. Luckily for the England defender, Mohamed Diame ignored the run of Jelavic before wasting a great chance to score.
Referee performance
Robert Madley had only taken charge of two Premier League games this season before tonight, but he made a decent return to the top tier with a comfortable refereeing display.
What next?
Everton: The Toffees face a tricky trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City in Saturday's late kickoff.
Hull: Bruce's side continue their search for a third win of the season against West Bromwich Albion at the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Callum Mulvihill
