Ba salvages Toon point - but goal-line technology rears its ugly head again

Sepp Blatter’s decision to introduce goal-line technology by 2014 was greeted with a mutual sigh of relief around many Premier League grounds.

But at Goodison Park, Everton will be left to curse Fifa’s decision not to implement goal-line technology at a sooner date.

In truth, the home side could and maybe should have been out of sight at half time putting less emphasis on a matter that threatens to overshadow what was a pulsating contest between two in form sides.

Leighton Baines, fresh off his first England goal, maundered down the left hand side causing Newcastle’s replacement full back James Perch countless problems.

The threat from Baines was only part of the problem during a first half dominated by a rampant Everton side.

Clever link up play between the England full back and Steven Pienaar, produced the first goal with the latter skilfully back-heeling a pass straight into Baines’ path who drove his left footed strike into the far corner.

Alan Pardew, serving the first of his two game touchline ban, may have been ruing leaving out Demba Ba, with strike partner Papiss Cisse an isolated figure up front.

His mood would have decreased further had Kevin Mirallas’ drive found the net, the Belgium international’s turn and shot drifted just past the post, but the early signs were positive from the lively winger.

Cisse then spurned the visitor’s best chance volleying wide from inside the penalty area, while Baines was at the heart of the action again clearing off the line and denying Vurnon Anita a first Premier League goal.

David Moyes’ side had the third best defensive record last season, only bettered by both Manchester clubs, but Phil Jagielka’s presence was far more prominent at the other end of the pitch.

The central defender’s excellent, swerving strike gave Harper cause for concern but curled just past the post.

Newcastle were architects of the own downfall, guilty of conceding possession inside their own half.

Mirallas robbed Hatem Ben Arfa but his shot lacked significant power and was easily dealt with by Harper.

Ben Arfa had received the ball just outside his own penalty area highlighting his relative non-involvement, further illustrating Everton’s desire to keep the lively Frenchman in check.

Ba’s impact was instant, brought on for the ineffective Sylvain Marveaux, he set about channelling his frustration at being left out in the best possible fashion, as far as Pardew was concerned.

Receiving a well weighted Yohan Cabaye pass, the Senegalese forward stroked left footed beyond Everton keeper Tim Howard to equalise.

It was as though a different Newcastle side had emerged from half time, but Everton began to regain control on the hour.

Marouane Fellaini looked to have restored the home side’s advantage. The linesman’s flag denied the Belgian, although on replay Fellaini was level with the last defender.

That was just the start of it, Moyes’ fury would threaten to blow over as the moment of controversy hit Goodison Park like so many before it.

Victor Anichebe’s header appeared to be cleared from behind the goal line to infuriate the Everton crowd, the referee waved away the protests as the visitor’s quickly broke downfield.

Ben Arfa was denied by a brilliant Howard save, to the relief of the Everton players.

Anichebe struck what looked to be the winning goal two minutes from time, Steven Pienaar’s drilled pass was taken into his stride by the powerful forward and his low drive beat Harper to prompt the feeling of justice on Merseyside.

But Ba would have the final say, latching onto to Shola Ameobi’s chest-down he nudged his shot under Howard to rescue the Toon a point.