A controversial penalty from Leighton Baines allowed Everton to claim a share of the spoils at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.
Hosts Sunderland took a 26th-minute lead through Jack Colback. The midfielder, on as an early substitute for Titus Bramble, collected possession from Stephane Sessegnon before beating Tim Howard in goal courtesy of a deflection off Everton defender Sylvain Distin.
The visiting Toffees dominated the remainder of the half but were unable to find a route past Keiren Westwood in the home goal.
However, Everton finally grabbed an equalising goal six minutes after the restart, albeit in controversial circumstances. Leon Osman appeared to kick the ground before tripping over but referee Howard Webb awarded a penalty. England international Baines stepped up to convert past Westwood.
Sessegnon went closest to finding a winning goal but his effort was parried away by Howard.
The result has seen Sunderland move up to 14th in the Premier League table, while Everton are up to tenth.
Liam Apicella
