Everton restricts Hull at 2-2
Kingston Upon Hull, Dec. 31: Everton’s mercurial talent Ross Barkley’s header secured them a 2-2 draw with struggling Hull in their Premier League clash on Friday.
Barkley, who has lost his place in the England squad and been in and out of the Everton first team under manager Ronald Koeman, allowed the visitors to level for the second time.
Hull skipper Michael Dawson and then Robert Snodgrass, with his eighth of the season, had given Hull the lead on two occasions.
An own goal by Hull ‘keeper David Marshall at the end of the first-half had gifted Everton their first equaliser.
The point sees Hull, who have not won in their last eight, climb off the bottom and go a point ahead of managerless Swansea who play later this weekend.
“I think it’s a terrific point,” said Hull manager Mike Phelan, who has the daunting prospect of seven games in January with a limited squad.
“The goal we conceded at the end of the first half changes your whole way of thinking.
“We are in a battle for the rest of the season but we’re up for it.”
Everton, with just two wins in their last nine games, remain marooned in seventh spot, six points adrift of Manchester United.
Koeman, who will look to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window, was not too despondent about the end result.
“I think the crowd loved this game because it was really open,” Dutchman told Sports.
“Twice we showed great character and a good reaction.
“We fought for everything. We had the better chances to win the game. You like to win every the Sky game, but sometimes you have to be happy with one point.”
Dawson pounced with a lovely strike for his third goal of the season although Everton would look askance at veterans Phil Jagielka and Gareth Barry.