Lukaku scores again as Everton held 1-1 by Norwich in EPL

Gerard Deulofeu whipped a delightful cross to the back post for the Belgian to head home and score for a sixth successive league games. One went in and then we couldn’t find that luck in front of goal. Cameron Jerome spurned a golden chance for the Canaries to win it and Martinez was left frustrated by the performance.

A late leveller from Romelu Lukaku, who bagged his 50th goal in Everton colours on the night, was enough to salvage a point for the hosts, but for the umpteenth time in recent memory there was a sense that Everton had thrown away a couple of points.

With Sebastien Bassong backing off, Lukaku made space for a shot which he dragged wide and he did so again before the interval.

The visitors may give a first start of the season to Leighton Baines, but are likely to still be without James McCarthy, who has missed the last two games through injury.

Ryan Bennett, sent on for Andre Wisdom at half-time, met Robbie Brady’s corner with a header and although Tim Howard parried, Hoolahan was on hand to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

Key Stat: Everton have only won one of their seven Premier League games away at Norwich since 1992.

After Norwich had worked the ball along the right flank, Hoolahan wrongfooted the Everton defence with a brilliant back-heel at the near post, presenting his team-mate with a chance on the edge of the six-yard box that he would have stroked in had his composure not deserted him.

In fact, Norwich came the closest to snatching it through Cameron Jerome with 20 minutes remaining.

“Everton could have been leading by two or three at half time”. “Well sorted by the Gaffer” – Norwich boss Alex Neil earned former forward Darren Huckerby’s praise.

Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo combined once again to deliver the goods for Watford, and Neil must be wishing that those strikers were leading his side’s bid to steer clear of the bottom three. Everton looked to be cruising. In fact, their only win at Norwich in the last 26 years, was their 3-2 win in 2004, but they arrive at Carrow Road high on confidence.

“The unusual thing with football is tactically nothing changed, all that changed was our desire and effort”.

“He has been a consistent performer since I came to this club, but at 29 I can fully understand him wanting to go somewhere else if he thinks he can be the main player”.