Everton 0
Middlesbro' 0
Everton 0 Middlesbrough 0 December 26 2006
Andrew Johnson was again at the centre of a controversial penalty claim as Everton were left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough.
Johnson appeared to be hauled back inside the 18-yard box by Andrew Taylor inside the second minute.
The England international protested vehemently, but Phil Dowd ignored his appeals for a spot-kick.
Johnson did not go to ground under Taylor's challenge, but his furious appeal suggested he clearly felt the Boro defender had impeded his movement.
However, Dowd waved away Johnson's claims and then did likewise with two further first-half penalty appeals from Victor Anichebe and one from Mikel Arteta after the break.
It amounted to a miserable afternoon for the Toffees but the Teessiders showed impressive defensive strength with Jonathan Woodgate in superb form.