Going into this game there was almost nothing to separate these two sides and that’s how the game ended. Both teams looked dangerous going forward, which created a vintage cup tie, with Drenthe darting forward for Everton and McClean dangerous for Sunderland. But the opener came from an unlikely source as Phil Bardsley powered in a long range effort after just 11 minutes to give the visitors an early lead. It only took 11 more minutes before the Toffees replied through their talisman Cahill on 22 minutes. And although the game continued in the same high paced fashion, neither side could find a second.

Both were level on points with each other in the league and both were keeping the FA Cup high on their list of priorities. And why not? Both could be arguably be billed as the dark horses of the competition as Spurs stutter and Chelsea continue to confuse.

The first half was played almost at 100mph and it was clear early on whom the danger men were. Drenthe was a constant source of frustration for both Sunderland and Everton as his powerful, surging runs terrified the Black Cats’ defence but his continuous diving grew very tiresome for the home side. Sunderland’s own winger McClean sorely tested Everton and their captain, Phil Neville, soon found himself in the referee’s book after callously body checking the flying Irishman.

A smart costless kick from Jack Colback laid the ball to Bardsley in enough space for the infrequently scoring full back to pick his place and fire in the opening goal. It was the vertan defender’s first ever goal in this competition. But it wasn’t long before Everton were back on level terms as a rather bizarre goal from Cahill put them back into the game. The Toffees worked the space well and a clever pass from Drenthe gave Leighton Baines the time he needed to deliver an inch perfect cross, which new striker Nikica Jelavic managed to get a header onto before it was flicked on by the opportunistic Cahill.

The pace slowed down for the second half but there were still plenty of talking points. Everton will feel aggrieved that should’ve been awarded a penalty after Sunderland’s John O’Shea clearly handled Jelavic’s header after 64 minutes. The home side were the better of the two teams after the break and thought they had sneaked a late winner but a tremendous double save from Simon Mignolet kept a fine header from Johnny Heitinga and then a follow shot from Jelavic.

Everton should have edged it today but it’ll take another 90 minutes to separate these closely matched teams.

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About the author
Chris Craddock
Chris is a journalist based in Sheffield in the UK. He produces and presents his own radio show on Forge Radio and writes a blog about the current affairs of the Steel City and his beloved Birmingham City FC. Passionate football fan and avid rugby follower.