Everton were the best of two shot-shy teams as they recorded a 1-0 success over West Bromwich Albion courtesy of a late strike. For the first game of the New Year we can only hope this is not a glimpse of displays to follow in what was a painful exhibition of football at times.
Albion have now won just one of their last six home league games, and only two all season whilst Everton coming into this clash had only won twice in ten meetings on New Years Day.
History seemed to point to a scoreless stalemate, which was how it looked with three minutes remaining, until substitute Victor Anichebe returning from injury took advantage of a poor Paul Scharner heading clearance to seal the win.
The Toffees perhaps just shaded it because of Leighton Baines and his dangerous set-pieces whilst the home side rarely troubled visitor's keeper Tim Howard.
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Venue: The Hawthorns
Attendance: 23,038
West Brom scorers: Everton scorers: Anichebe 87
TRIBAL ASKS: If this is the quality to expect on New Years Day let's delay these games until a few days later!
Yellow cards: Baines (EVE), Stracqualursi (EVE)
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