Stoke 2 Everton 0: Jagielka has a knees-up!

STOKE 2 -- EVERTON 0

Phil Jagielkas nightmare Christmas continued as he found his own net once again and condemned Everton to their first away defeat in nine games.


The stopper scored an own goal against Manchester City just before Christmas but his team-mates bailed him out holding on for a 2-1 win.


This time his clanger killed off Evertons hopes of cancelling out Kenwyne Jones 23rd-minute opener.


Jagielka came under pressure from Ricardo Fuller as he attempted to clear Jones header into the six-yard box


The defender stuck out a boot and watched in horror as the ball came off his knee and spun past Tim Howard to seal Stokes first Premier League win over the Toffees.


The victory was set up by Jones as he ended his six-game goal-drought with a powerful header.


Everton controlled the game for long periods and in the first minute they were convinced they had a penalty when Ryan Shawcross caught Louis Saha with a high challenge but their appeals were waved away by ref Andre Marriner.


Saha looked lively after being recalled to the side and his header from Leighton Baines corner flew over the bar.


Asmir Begovics goal was under pressure again when Steven Pienaar cracked a shot on target in a bright opening for Everton.


But with their first attack Stoke should have snatched the lead. Begovics kick was flicked on by Jones for Fuller. !


He worked his way past Sylvain Distin but with only Tim Howard to beat, hooked his shot wide.


Stoke boss Tony Pulis could not hide his frustration but his anger disappeared when Jones scored.


The big striker started the move, flicking on a diagonal punt from Shawcross.


Matty Etherington took the ball towards the byline and stood up a tasty cross for Jones to leap unmarked and head past Howard. That should have seen Stoke turn up the heat but gutsy Everton had other ideas.


And within two minutes top scorer Tim Cahill nearly found the net. Baines sent a cross to the far post where the Aussie midfielder was lingering.


He aimed his effort across Begovic and was left with his head in his hands as the ball flew just past the upright.


And Everton were denied an equaliser just before the break when Pienaar pulled the trigger only for Danny Higginbotham to fly in and make a brilliant block.


The second half saw plenty of bite but few chances until Jagielka buried his side.


Everton manager David Moyes said: It was a penalty in the first 30 seconds. He caught him round the midriff. The referee didnt seem ready.


Phil could probably have dealt with the second goal better but we nullified their threat and dealt with the balls into the box apart from the one for the first goal.


!

Pulis said: Kenwyne has done smashing today. His game has dipped a bit recently but we have a lot of belief in him.


Using two wide players suits him and the goal was an absolute cracker.


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