A lackluster performance by Everton was taken advantage by relegation challenged Portsmouth today as the Toffees lost 2-1. With Everton seemingly on cruise towards a Europa League spot, Pompey were more than pleased to pounce on the opportunity and with Peter Crouch's two goals the home side was able to find the three points.Leighton Baines provided Everton the lead four minutes in as his free-kick got past an out of position David James. With the one goal disadvantage, Portsmouth charged forward in front of their own fans at Fratton Park and following a near miss by Niko Kranjčar brought the match level twenty-two minutes in as Glen Johnson headed the ball towards Peter Crouch who then headed the ball in. Now level Everton seemed to lack the ability to press forward and it was obvious the absence of Timmy Cahill was too heavy of a burden and the lack of Dan Gosling in the attack anemic starting eleven was a surprise. Throughout the balance of the match Everton 'keeper Tim Howard was called upon on numerous occasions as Portsmouth sent attackers forward against an off-form Toffee midfield. With the winning goal on the verge Portsmouth finally got it with fifteen minutes remaining as Sean Davis' corner was headed in by Peter Crouch who somehow was left unmarked. While Tim Howard might have claims for obstruction the zone marking was horrible and it was shocking that Crouch so easily was open. Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell entered the match late but a leveling goal was not to be.
Photo Credit: UEFA (Getty Image)
