Everton substitute Victor Anichebe enjoyed another good day in the West Midlands by rescuing a point for his side in the Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Anichebe had come off the bench to net a last gasp winner against West Brom at the Hawthorns on New Year's Day after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Villa striker Darren Bent's seventh goal of the campaign had broken the deadlock but the Toffees deserved their equaliser.

Alex McLeish's side at least ended their run of four successive home defeats with Stephen Ireland having one of his best games in midfield.

But their star performer was recalled keeper Shay Given who had been sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury.

He justified his instant return to action in place of Brad Guzan with several fine saves.

Everton were well worthy of a share of the spoils with Landon Donovan impressing on the right of midfield.

Villa were the first to threaten after Bent made a probing run towards the Everton box and was brought down by John Heitinga.

Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov's 25 yard free-kick contained plenty of power and was fisted away by the diving Tim Howard.

Villa were the more purposeful in the early stages and Marc Albrighton's shot was blocked after Alan Hutton had teed up an opportunity.

Everton came more into the game and new signing Darron Gibson's flighted pass picked out a run into the Villa area from Tim Cahill but his first touch let him down.

Given made an excellent save away to his left to keep out a Louis Saha glancing header from a Leighton Baines free-kick.

He then had to turn aside a misdirected header from his own defender Stephen Warnock from a Royston Drenthe centre.