Blackburn 2-3 Everton

Posted Sunday, April 18, 2010 by theguardian.com

Everton's Tim Cahill smothers Blackburn comeback at the death

Mikel Arteta scores from the penalty spot to give Everton an early lead at Ewood Park.

For once Tim Cahill did not use his, and most wise ones will discount Everton's chances of bridging the gap to Aston Villa in the tussle for Europa League places, yet the Australian's last-minute goal nevertheless left them a point behind their rivals with three games remaining. Remarkably, Cahill's previous 11 goals for the club had come from his head but a tap-in prolongs their pursuit of seventh place.

This was the hardest-fought of victories for David Moyes's team, who took the lead three times to become only the third successful visitors at Ewood Park this season. The resilience which denied Chelsea and Manchester United had shown itself again as Steven Nzonzi and substitute Jason Roberts thrashed in long-range equalisers in the final quarter of the contest.

In terms of recent form this was a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object but the entrance of Yakubu a dozen minutes from the end proved crucial. First, the Nigerian striker nodded in with his first touch and then he squared for Cahill's winner as Everton kicked the habit of being denied late on.