Premier League - Everton Beat Stoke 2 - 3

Everton survived a stirring comeback to win a nail-bitting Premier League encounter 3-2 at the Britannia Stadium.

Toffees boss David Moyes was sent to the stands after his side were denied a penalty, but Tim Cahill secured an away win with a close-range header.

In the first half, Stoke set out to defend, getting men behind the ball and allowing the visitors to dominate possession.

Even with record signing Marouane Fellaini and Ecuadorian Segundo Castillo making their debuts, and Cahill back in the starting 11, chances were at a premium.

Stoke's Ricardo Fuller registered the only shot on target of a stultifying game before Yakubu broke the deadlock five minutes before the break.

It was a peach of a goal. Fellaini played a clever reverse ball to Cahill who teed up Yakubu.

The Nigerian - the most prolific striker of any currently playing in the English top flight - cut back onto his left side and placed a superb left-foot shot into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the box.

Just over five minutes into the second half, it looked to be all over when Anichebe made it two with a deft header. Mikel Arteta delivered a free-kick into the box and Anichebe let the ball brush to the top of his head, redirecting it just enough to guide it inside the far post.

Stoke had played nearly all the first half inside their own territory, but now they were forced to respond, and did so in thrilling fashion. Knowing their limitations, Stoke have made a useful habit of playing to their strengths.

Among these are the extraordinary long throws of Rory Delap, who time and again flung the ball into the Everton area, causing panic.

Delap's missiles led to both Stoke goals. First, on 54 minutes, Tim Howard palmed one long throw weakly to Seyi Olofinjana, who smashed a volley in from eight yards.

Nine minutes later Delap loaded up again and hurled towards the Everton goal. Jagielka jumped to head clear, but could only glance it over Howard and in for an equaliser.

On 73 minutes, Leon Cort handballed inside the Stoke box and referee Alan Wiley pointed to the penalty spot.