Everton and Wigan Athletic could not find a breakthrough in a first half of few chances at Goodison Park this afternoon.

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The hosts threatened the Latics' goal straight from kickoff as Nikica Jelavic teed the ball up for Victor Anichebe, but the 24-year-old's effort was too high.

Anichebe had another chance to opening the scoring in the 18th minute as he got on the end of Leighton Baines's cross, only to glance his header wide.

Tim Howard was called into action for the first time five minutes later as he had to get behind Shaun Maloney's powerful effort.

Neither side could create a clear goalscoring opportunity in the rest of the half, however, as the teams went into the break all square.