Everton v Sunderland
@Everton
Marouane Fellaini further enhanced his fearsome reputation with a game-changing second half performance at Goodison Park.
Seven days after his two goals at Fulham the Belgian scored one and set up another as Everton staged a second-half turnaround against Sunderland.
He had been employed off the striker at Craven Cottage but it was after a switch to a deeper midfield position that he swung this game, following Adam Johnson's shock opener.
Everton's performance during the first 45 minutes was dominant but Johnson's strike on the stroke of half time gave the visitors a surprise lead.
Earlier the Blues had the bulk of possession and frequently got in behind the Wearsiders' defence - without making the most of their incisions.
After a couple of early warning shots from Stephane Sessegnon and Steven Fletcher had Tim Howard sweating, Everton settled down with Kevin Mirallas at the heart of most good moves.
He roamed across the front line and saw a drive blocked by Carlos Cuellar midway through the half.
Nikica Jelavic had an effort deflected over and Steven Pienaar stung Simon Mignolet's hands before the Blues were dealt a blow when Mirallas limped off with an apparent hamstring strain.
His exit hindered Everton's attacking variety somewhat but they still managed to forge a couple more chances before the break.
Jelavic volleyed Baines' free-kick over after Seamus Coleman's inquisitive run had been unfairly halted and then skipper Phil Neville unleashed a 30-yarder which Mignolet palmed away.
It looked like it would be goalless at the break only for Johnson prod home at the back post after Craig Gardner had recycled a Sunderland corner.
After play resumed John Heitinga's shot brought claims of handball from the Gwladys Street but Lee Mason's whistle remained unblown.
The Dutchman then saw a header cleared off the line with the impressive Leon Osman also going close.
That initial post-break flurry died down with Sunderland eating up the clock at every opportunity.
Louis Saha saw 20 minutes of action as he returned to Goodison but the action was mainly at the other end.
David Moyes brought on Apostolos Vellios to add to his attacking options and the Greek was immediately in the action as he nodded Coleman's cross towards goal.
That switch saw Fellaini drop deeper but it didn't prevent the Belgian scoring his third goal on two games.
He strode forward to deservedly draw the sides level, receiving Osman's cross and spinning before lashing into the corner.
Two minutes later it was 2-1 and this time Fellaini was the provider as he flicked another Osman pass into the path of the unerring Jelavic.
Nervous moments ensued when Carlos Cuellar and Gardner got in each other's way inside the Blues' six-yard box.
Everton now needed to bolster the midfield and Thomas Hitzlsperger was handed a debut, with the German helping his side see out the win.
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