Wes Hoolahan had some hot competition in Norwich City's midfield but the Irishman was pivotal to both City replies against a well-drilled Everton outfit.

With Jonny Howson preferred in that link role behind Grant Holt, Hoolahan was deployed in a less accustomed wide role. Paul Lambert is on record stating Hoolahan is more effective centrally. That may well be the case, but the Dubliner's intelligent movement and telepathic understanding with Howson was a marked feature of this contest.

Adam Drury's surge down the left was read by Hoolahan who ran off the back of Toffees' skipper Phil Neville before fashioning a cut back for Howson to draw Norwich level. Hoolahan and Howson combined again just before the interval for Andrew Surman to drill at Phil Jagielka's arm inside the Everton box. Referee Andre Marriner was not interested - nor did Hoolahan's complaints over the Toffees' controversial second goal cut much ice after the Irishman was blocked from attempting to close down Marouane Fellaini.

City took matters into their own hands to retreive the situation - with Hoolahan central to the fightback. He spotted Aaron Wilbraham's burst to initially test Tim Howard for Holt's equaliser. Hoolahan may not offer defensive discipline - but City always look a potent force going forward when he is in the mood.