As is customary these days, Sunderland didn't have much possession and didn't have too many shots against Everton on Saturday. And, as usual, those stats don't tell anyone a thing about how the game went.
Everton Vs. Sunderland, 2012 FA Cup: Black Cats Force Replay
Though Everton had chances to win late, Sunderland were in control and had Everton where they wanted them for most of their FA Cup match at Goodison Park, though the Toffees did well to fight back after conceding. The Black Cats struck first, but Tim Cahill equalized for Everton to force a 1-1 draw. Simon Mignolet was forced into some late saves, but Sunderland held on to force a replay.
Sunderland right back Phillip Bardsley scored the opener in the 12th minute with an absolute screamer of a shot after a set piece. It looked like they were more likely to score a second than Everton were to equalize for a solid 10 minutes, but the Toffees hit back with a great goal, as Cahill headed hoe from close range in the 23rd minute, assisted by Nikica Jelavic.
Royston Drenthe had a brilliant free kick hit the crossbar late in the first half and Mignolet had to make a stunning double save on a John Heitinga header and a Jelavic rebound attempt in the 87th minute, but Everton weren't able to find the winner they needed to avoid a trip to the northeast.
For more on the two teams, head over to Everton blog Royal Blue Mersey and Sunderland blog Roker Report.
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