Stoke stalemate ends Everton´s Euro bid

Everton’s bid to secure a place in the Europa League was brought to a controversial end in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Stoke.

David Moyes’ side had to win to have any hope of catching seventh placed Liverpool, but they are now four points behind their Merseyside rivals with only one game to play.

The Toffees thought they had snatched a win from the Britannia Stadium when Phil Jagielka headed home in the second half but the defender’s effort was harshly ruled out for a foul.

With Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen sidelined by the dislocated elbow he suffered at Chelsea last weekend, Asmir Begovic was handed his full debut for the hosts.

Begovic was one of four changes to the Stoke side hammered 7-0 by Chelsea, while Everton, unbeaten in their last nine league games, were without South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.

Everton made a confident start as Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta dictated the tempo in his usual stylish manner.

But it was Stoke who nearly took the lead when Ryan Shawcross escaped his marker at a long throw from Rory Delap and headed wide.

The Toffees responded and Victor Anichebe tested Begovic with a shot from distance before Ricardo Fuller failed to get enough power to beat Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Tony Pulis’s team appealed for a penalty when Glenn Whelan went to ground following an aerial collision with Arteta, but referee Howard Webb waved play on.

Everton midfielder Phil Neville released Anichebe with a fine pass, only for the striker to drag his effort wide of the post, then Leighton Baines saw his powerful shot beaten away by Begovic.

Delap should have given Stoke the lead early in the second half when he ran onto Matthew Etherington’s cross but the midfielder shot wide with only Howard to beat.

Fuller was next to threaten as he dragged a shot wide after being set up by Mamady Sidibe.

Everton found the net in the 72nd minute thanks to Jagielka’s downward header from a corner by Arteta but their celebrations were soon cut short.

Webb ruled out his effort for an infringement leaving Moyes protesting to the fourth official as Everton’s European hopes were ended.