Rovers suffer their third Premier League defeat in a row after being undone by a late Everton penalty.
Having had two spot-kicks of their own and hitting the bar twice the home side failed to gain their first point of the season in what was otherwise a match without many real attacking displays at either end.
During the first-half Rovers held position and pressed Everton back into their own half with a couple of good runs from Hoilett and Roberts.
During the ninth minute David Dunn nearly took them 1-0 up only to have his shot cannoned off the side of the bar.
Steve Kean’s defensive line was put to the test a couple of times but with newly-recovered Chris Samba alongside Gael Givet they held strong whilst Salgado supplemented the attack down the right ring.
Pederson was substituted inside the 30th minute after picking up a knock inside the Everton box, with new addition Radosav Petrovic taking his place. David Dunn was also substituted for Mauro Formica.
Meanwhile, Salgado was booked alongside the Toffees’ Victor Anichebe after heads met after what seemed like a high boot from Salgado.
With the second half underway Rovers missed the chance to take the lead after the ref pointed to the penalty spot after a tackle from Ross Berkley on Formica in the box. Olsson shot low only to have a solid Tim Howard block its path.
Olsson again came close to hitting the score-sheet with a dipping free-kick just outside the box. However the shot only managed to nick the crossbar.
As the half went on Everton fought back; with play swapping between halves and a close call for Paul Robinson as a shot from Marouane Fellaini looked set for the roof of the Darwen End. With twenty minutes to go Steve Kean made his final substitution with Goodwillie coming on to replace Roberts. Three minutes later the Scot hit the bar with a little nicked touch in-front of Howard.
A quick break down the left from Goodwillie managed to break into the box where his pass met Formica but once again the shot was blocked with a diving effort from the Everton keeper.
Another penalty, this time by Formica again found the post after he went down from a Phil Jagielka tackle in the 82nd minute.
A strike from Tim Cahill found the back of the net but luckily for home fans it was disallowed for hand-ball.
However only a minute from time the referee awarded a penalty against Rovers after Fellaini went down as Samba rode up his back for a header. Mikel Arteta struck the back of the net to send the Toffees home with all three points.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel