Fellaini foiled by battling Baggies
Everton on top but still in search of first win
MAROUANE FELLAINI went the closest to scoring as Everton boss Roberto Martinez was kept waiting for his first win by dogged West Brom.
The midfielder, subject of an approach from Manchester United this week, struck the post late on as Everton created the better chances of a tight contest at Goodison Park.
A Seamus Coleman effort also rattled the woodwork as the game entered injury time, but the Baggies held on for a point in a lively finish.
Martinez will again feel frustrated after his side were held at Norwich in their season opener, but there were plenty of encouraging signs for the Spaniard.
For West Brom, who also remain winless, there are more concerns with Steve Clarke’s team looking toothless in the absence of striker Nicolas Anelka on indefinite compassionate leave.
Everton looked confident and only their lack of a killer touch in front of goal let them down.
The hosts pieced together their first promising move after six minutes when Steven Pienaar got a header on target, although Ben Foster’s save looked over-flamboyant.
Pienaar tested Foster again with a low shot from outside the area soon after and Ross Barkley drove across goal.
It took 25 minutes for West Brom to create a chance but Youssouf Mulumbu curled wide from a Graham Dorrans cut-back.
Everton threatened again from a free-kick, but Mirallas blasted into the wall and Barkley blazed well over.
The game became niggly as both sides felt they were harshly penalised for fouls by referee Roger East, who began to attract the ire of supporters.
The visitors had another chance when James Morrison shot wide, but they finished the first half on the back foot, scrambling clear again after a Nikica Jelavic header. Ever ton almost paid the pr ice for some sloppiness 15 minutes from time when sub Steven Naismith was robbed by Morrison, who quickly set up Long, but Howard saved well. Steve Clarke was forced to change his goalkeeper 12 minutes from time as Foster limped off.
Luke Daniels took his place and was beaten all ends up as Fellaini brilliantly took a Phil Jagielka cross on his chest and dabbed past, only for the ball to rebound off the post.
West Brom had a scare with 90 minutes on the clock when Coleman’s cross dipped over Daniels and struck the bar, while Everton also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after a Barkley shot struck Billy Jones.