Everton are still looking for their first win of the new Premier League season having been held to a 0-0 draw against Cardiff City this afternoon.
A quiet first half was briefly lit up when Peter Whittingham forced a save from Tim Howard direct from a corner, while David Marshall also made a good reaction stop at the other end to keep out Nikica Jelavic's deflected header.
The second half was also short of chances, with Craig Bellamy and Leighton Baines coming closest for their respective sides.
You can read how a intriguing 90 minutes of football unfolded with Sports Mole's live coverage below.
2pmGood afternoon! Thank you very much for joining us here at Sports Mole for what is an intriguing fixture between Premier League new boys Cardiff City and one of the oldest members of the top flight, Everton. Let's get straight down to business, shall we?
2.02pmThere is only one place that we can really start this afternoon, and that is with a look back at a famous day in the history of Cardiff City. They toppled the giants of Manchester City in their last Premier League outing, putting an early spanner in the works of both the title race and the relegation fight, while also providing us with our first - but almost certainly not our last - shock of the season.
2.04pmWhichever shocks follow that, though, they are going to be hard pressed to beat it. Nobody was expecting Cardiff to come away from that match with all three points, and even at 3-1 when Alvaro Negredo scored in the 90th minute, there must have been Cardiff fans still doubting their chances of winning the game. They managed to hold out, however, and it is three early points that manager Malkay Mackay would not have been expecting.
2.06pmCardiff have been in action since that match, joining a host of other league sides in the Capital One Cup second round, and they safely got through that test unscathed. Travelling to Accrington Stanley is a sure-fire way to keep the feet on the ground having beaten Man City a couple of days earlier, but they avoided an upset with a comfortable 2-0 win.
2.08pmThe City win was even more surprising given the way they performed in the opening match of the season. Cardiff looked dull and short of ideas for large periods of their return to the top flight, and West Ham eased past them 2-0. Malkay MacKay's side have bounced back brilliantly, however, and will be looking to continue to do so today.
2.10pmCardiff have not exactly been shy in the transfer market this summer. With the window nearing its end, it remains to be seen whether they will bring any more new faces into the squad but, even if they don't, they can be happy with the business that they have done so far. They have spent big which, although that is no guarantee of being safe (just look at QPR), certainly gives them a fighting chance. I think that they could be something of a surprise package this season and finish around mid-table.
2.12pmOne of their new signing is unavailable this afternoon, however. Andreas Cornelius, who joined the club for around £7.5m, injured himself during the midweek match and is out with an ankle problem.
2.14pmCardiff come into this match in a good run of form at home, stretching back to last season. They have lost just one of their last 13 matches in front of their own fans, winning six and drawing six. If they want to still be in the Premier League next season, they will need to make this place a fortress.
2.16pmOne area of concern for MacKay may be how little possession they had against Manchester City. Of course, a team of City's quality is always going to dominate the ball for large periods, but Cardiff only had 30% possession in the last match. Yes, they went on to win, but they were certainly lose more than they win if they keep posting such statistics.
2.18pmThat will make good reading for Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who has adapted a possession-heavy style of play at the club since joining in the summer. His side had more possession than any other on the opening day of the season, and they will certainly be looking to dominate the ball again today, even though they are away from home.
2.20pmFor all that possession, though, Everton are still looking for their first win of the new season. They opened their campaign up with a 2-2 draw against Norwich that they could have reasonably won, while they should have won their goalless draw against West Brom last week. It certainly hasn't been a perfect start to life after David Moyes for Everton, but it hasn't been dreadful either. There are plenty of positives yet plenty of room for improvement.
2.22pmTheir midweek exploits will have done nothing to appease any concerns that the fans may have gained during the opening two matches. The Toffees scraped past Stevenage in the League Cup second round, needing extra time to eventually win 2-1. The team that Martinez has fielded today will be stronger, of course, but there he could do with a win today to nullify any doubts that may be creeping in.
2.24pmOf course, it is very early days for Martinez, and Bill Kenwright is notorious for sticking with his managers, but it was never going to be an easy task following Moyes, and whoever was charged with the job was always going to be treated with a certain amount of scepticism by some fans. It is up to Martinez to prove that he is up to the task. So far, though, his Everton career has seen his side have plenty of the ball but not create enough going forward.
2.26pmAs a manager, Martinez's recent form is poor. He has won just one of his last 10 Premier League matches, drawing five and losing four. Of course, it is important to take into consideration that most of those matches came with Wigan, who were destined to be relegated, but it is still an unwanted record that Martinez will be keen to improve as soon as possible.
2.28pmAnother thing that Martinez will be hoping to rid himself of is the comparisons with his predecessor. They will keep on coming until he makes the job his own, however. One such comparison that is relevant to the match this afternoon is that Moyes only once failed to win the opening three games of the season - in 2010-11 - during his time in charge at Goodison.
2.30pmTEAM NEWS: The team news is in, and from Everton's point of view they have named the same starting XI for the third league game in succession, with Martinez clearly believing that they are capable of getting the first win of the season. That means that Nikica Jelavic starts up front, while Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini also start despite uncertainty over their futures. Full team news for both sides coming right up.
2.31pmCARDIFF STARTING XI: Marshall; Connolly, Taylor, Caulker, Turner; Whitts, Medel, Kim, Gunnarsson; Campbell, Bellamy
2.32pmCARDIFF SUBS: Lewis, Hudson, Gestede, Noone, Mutch, Cowie, Maynard
2.33pmEVERTON STARTING XI: Howard; Coleman, Baines, Distin, Jagielka; Mirallas, Pienaar, Osman, Fellaini, Barkley; Jelavic
2.34pmEVERTON SUBS: Robles, Heitinga, Oviedo, Kone, Deulofeu, Naismith, Stones
2.36pmSo, what can we make of those teams? Well, starting with Cardiff, it is no surprise to see Frazier Campbell in the starting lineup following his heroics against Manchester City last week. It was his brace in the final 15 minutes that saw Cardiff pull off that famous 3-2 win, and he will look to continue that fine form this afternoon. Steven Caulker, a big money summer signing from Tottenham, starts in central defence, and he is a young player who looks like having a bright future in the game. I must say I was a little surprised when Spurs decided to sell him, although Daniel Levy appears to know what he is doing in the transfer market after recent developments.
2.38pmAs for Craig Bellamy, today could be a landmark day for the veteran striker. Should he score this afternoon, he will become the first player to score for seven - yes, seven - different Premier League sides. He has been a bit of a journeyman, for sure, but such a record shows longevity and quality as well. A goal against Everton would be a nice way to do it for him too given his former links with Liverpool.
2.40pmAs for Everton, Martinez has once again stuck by misfiring striker Nikica Jelavic, with Arouna Kone once again on the bench. It may be a confidence reason that he has started Jelavic again, but Kone must be getting increasingly frustrated as missing out on a starting place. He showed last season that he can score goals for a Martinez side, while Jelavic has not been in good goalscoring form for a long time now. He has netted just once in 21 hours and 47 minutes of Premier League football.
2.42pmI mentioned earlier that Cardiff have a bright young talent in Caulker, and Everton have one of their own too. Ross Barkley has been raved about for his performances this season, particularly on the opening day against Norwich. His goal and all round performance in that match was impressive, but he has since been likened to players such as Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack, both of whom experienced great success in their careers. I think it is far too early to be throwing such comparisons about after one very good game and one decent game, but Barkley is most certainly one to watch for the future. Whether he keeps his place once Darron Gibson returns is another matter but, if he does, he could be a breakout star of this season.
2.44pmOther notable inclusions in the Everton side are Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. Both players have reportedly asked for permission to speak to Manchester United after their former manager David Moyes expressed his desire to bring the duo to his new club, but it remains to be seen whether a deal will actually go through. If it does, then that would be a massive blow to Everton, as they are arguably the club's two best players. There is also the fact that the Toffees would have very little time to find a replacement before Monday night's deadline, so it would have to be a very high offer for Martinez to consider the sale.
2.46pmThe good thing about the pair - particularly Baines - is that they don't appear to be the type of players who will sulk until a transfer goes through. Far from taking the Bale stance to things, I fully expect them to go out today and play no differently to how they have throughout the rest of their Everton careers. It may be their preference to leave the club if United come calling again, but if no deal does happen I doubt that they would harbour any resentment.
2.48pmThis afternoon Cardiff are vying to win back-to-back top flight games for the first time in over 50 years. The last time they managed it was in April 1962 although, to be fair, they haven't had many opportunities in the top flight since!
2.50pmPREDICTION: We're 10 minutes away from kickoff at the Cardiff City Stadium, so I guess it is about time I made a prediction for the match. Cardiff will come into this one full of confidence and with the mindset that if they can beat Man City, they can beat anyone. Not every match will go that way, however, and Everton certainly provide a stern test. The Toffees may not come into this one full of confidence, but they will still fancy their chances of coming away with all three points. For me, I think a draw is the most likely result. I'll go for 1-1.
2.52pmOne worrying statistic for Cardiff going into this match is that they haven't beaten Everton at home in the league since a 1-0 win at Ninian Park way back in 1956. The last meeting between these two sides, however, was a League Cup match in 1980 which Cardiff won 1-0. It wasn't enough to see them through, however, as Everton won the first leg 2-0 at Goodison.
2.54pmA repeat of the last league meeting between these two sides would go down a treat with Everton fans and neutrals like this afternoon, although Cardiff fans would not be happy. Back in 1962, Everton thrashed the Bluebirds 8-3 at Goodison Park.
2.56pmOverall, these two sides have met 33 times in all competitions, although today's fixture is the first time that they have ever met in the Premier League era.
2.58pmThere may be a hint of a personal battle for MacKay this afternoon too. The Cardiff boss was reportedly considered for the vacant post at Everton following David Moyes's departure, but Martinez was chosen ahead of him. A point to prove today, perhaps?
0 minKICKOFF: Everton get us underway at the Cardiff City Stadium. This is set to be a very interesting match.
2 minBright start form Cardiff and a nervy one from Everton. Barkley gives the ball away straight to Campbell in a very dangerous position, but Jagielka is out to meet him quickly and make the tackle.
4 minBaines whips a trademark delivery into the box which causes havoc as Fellaini just misses it. Distin pokes a header towards goal with Mirallas racing in looking to finish from close range, but Cardiff scramble it over their own bar.
6 minA little flare-up between the notoriously short-tempered Bellamy and Baines there. Baines just appeared to give the striker a little shove as he tried to allow Distin more time to clear the ball, and Bellamy responded by flinging an arm out. Play continues, though, and neither player makes a big deal out of it.
8 minThe first shot of the day sees Kim let fly from 30 yards out, but he is never troubling Tim Howard's goal with that. It goes a long, long way over the bar.
10 minHalf chance for Everton as Pienaar sends a brilliant flick into the path of Barkley, who drives towards the edge of the box, holding off two players before seeing his shot deflected wide for a corner. Lovely play from Pienaar to set up the chance.
12 minThe cameras keep showing that elbow from Bellamy and, to be honest, it gets a little worse every time you see it. He didn't catch Baines flush in the face, but his arm was certainly higher than it needed to be. The linesman was at most two yards away and didn't give anything, though.
14 minUPDATE: Still no goals from any of the other Premier League fixtures this afternoon, but I will keep you updated as and when any go in. News from earlier today is that Manchester City returned to winning ways after Cardiff's shock win last week, beating Hull 2-0.
16 minSAVE! It was corners that caused Man City so many problems last week, and Cardiff almost take the lead direct from one here! It was Whittingham's ball into the box that had so much curl on it that it almost crept in at near post, but Howard was alert enough to make a good, and vital, save.
18 minEverton are dominating the ball now after that mini-scare, but they haven't made much progress into the Cardiff half so far. All too familiar signs from the Martinez Everton so far.
20 minSeamus Coleman has just been very harshly penalised for what was a very good tackle. Both players went into it as a shoulder barge, with Coleman getting his foot to the ball first, but somehow the ref gives a foul against the Everton man.
22 minCampbell excites the home fans as he gets to a loose ball inside the area before blazing over, but he was offside so it wouldn't have counted anyway.
24 minBaines whips another free kick into a good area and Mirallas rises highest to meet it inside the box, but he gets too much on his header and puts it over. Had he just glanced that goalwards he may have had a better chance of testing the keeper.
26 minWe're still waiting for a clear goalscoring opportunity in this one as we near the half-hour mark. The closest we have come to a goal so far has been direct from a corner.
28 minCHANCE! Oooh that is a good opening for Mirallas to break the deadlock. Jelavic found space on the left flank and cut back onto his right foot before delivering a good cross into the danger area. Mirallas made a late run into the box, but he didn't get anywhere near enough on his header to threaten the keeper. Really should have done better there, even if heading isn't his strong point.
30 minUPDATE: We're half an hour into all the 3pm kickoffs now, and we're still waiting for our first goal! You would got got long odds on every match remaining goalless for this long.
32 minTurner is writhing with agony on the floor, and that injury didn't look pretty. The defender did well to intercept a pass intended for Jelavic, but it looked like he twisted his knee in the process.
34 minBaines puts a free kick into the box for the umpteenth time today and this time it is Jagielka who rises highest to meet it. His looped header towards the back post interest Jelavic, but Medel gives him a little shove which allows Marshall to come and claim the ball.
36 minThings are getting a bit congested in the middle of the park at the moment. Mirallas and Pienaar have both drifted a little more central, putting themselves in a similar position to Barkley and Jelavic. Baines and Coleman are still providing a little width, but their usual wingers are not playing as such today.
38 minYELLOW CARD! Ross Barkley is the first man in the referee's notebook, and it must be for a word or two out of place as I thought the initial tackle wasn't even worthy of a free kick. Still, the youngster needs to learn to hold his tongue if things don't go his way.
40 minBaines slides the ball into Pienaar, whose first cross is blocked but second is a dangerous low one towards Jelavic, who is just beaten to the ball by the defender.
41 minPENALTY SHOUT! Medel is a lucky, lucky boy. Baines skips past one tackle and advances into the box before knocking the ball past the Chile international and going over his sliding challenge. Medel certainly caught the full-back, and that should have been a penalty. Anthony Taylor, who gave Aston Villa two penalties in his only other Premier League match this season, is unmoved, however.
43 minIt just isn't happening for either side in an attacking sense at the moment. Everton are the side pushing for a goal just before the break, but they don't look capable of breaking down the Cardiff defence at the moment. Likewise, Cardiff are offering very little up front themselves.
45 minThe fourth official signals a minimum of two minutes added time to be played at the end of this half.
45+1 minNervy moment for Cardiff as a mix-up almost allows Mirallas in. Marshall eventually comes out to clear against his own defender, and the danger is eventually cleared.
45+2 minSAVE! Big save from Marshall, pure reaction stop. Coleman's cross was met by Jelavic, whose header took a big deflection off Turner. Marshall had to change direction and stick out his hand in very little time to make the save, but he managed to claw it away. Very good stop.
45+2 minHALF TIME: Cardiff 0-0 Everton
3.52pmThe referee brings an end to an intriguing - if not thoroughly exciting - half of football. We remain goalless at the break, but it could have been different had Howard and Marshall both not shown good reactions to make unorthodox saves.
3.54pmIt was not exactly a half laden with chances as both sides struggled to make inroads in the final third. You'd have to say that the defences of both sides are on top at the moment, although Everton have looked the more assured team in possession. Yet again, though, they have lacked a certain incisiveness that they have already sorely missed on two occasions this season. They can have all of the possession they like but, if they don't do anything with it, then it is useless.
3.56pmCardiff were the first to force the opposition keeper into a save, but it came from an unexpected source. They caused havoc in the Man City box with corners last week, but this time it was a direct corner that caused the problems as it almost crept in at the near post. Howard needed to be alert to make the save.
3.58pmEverton, meanwhile, almost ended the half with a goal but were denied by a very good reaction stop by Marshall, who needed to change direction quickly to make the save. For large parts of the first half, however, the Toffees looked toothless up front. Jelavic doesn't look like a striker full of confidence, and with good reason. He has now just scored once in his last 22 hours and 30 minutes of Premier League football. With Fellaini playing so deep under Martinez they really lack a commanding presence in and around the opposition box.
4pmTheir lack of attacking prowess has been highlighted because of their position, but Cardiff have also been poor in an attacking sense so far. Campbell has been very isolated up front for the hosts and, while they have defended well, it seems that none of their attention has gone to giving him support.
4.02pmRemarkably, we are still waiting for out first goal of the Premier League 3pm kickoffs today. There are three others matches taking place at the moment, but they are all in a similar scenario to us at Goodison. If any goals do eventually go in, I will keep you bang up to date with them.
4.04pmOne big moment of the half was a penalty shout for Leighton Baines. Medel hurled himself into a challenge and Baines raced past him towards the byline before going over the outstretched leg. For me, it was a stone wall penalty, but the referee disagreed. In truth, Anthony Taylor has not had the best game so far, which will do his confidence no good after another questionable performance in the Arsenal vs. Aston Villa match earlier this season.
45 minKICKOFF: Cardiff get us back underway in the second half - will we see a goal or will Everton play out their second consecutive Premier League goalless draw?
47 minVery good start to the half for Cardiff as Kim makes a mazy run down the left of the box, turning Jagielka inside out in the process. His cut back is behind everyone, however, and the chance eventually passes. Both Cardiff strikers made the same run there, if one had just held back then they would have had a simple chance.
49 minYELLOW CARD! Connolly is the first Cardiff man to go into the book, and he can have no complaints. He cynically blocked off Pienaar as the Everton man looked to get onto the end of a one-two.
51 minBaines's free kicks hit the same spot time and time again, which is great for his teammates. Everton have won every header from a Baines free kick so far today, but none of them have provided a clear chance as Cardiff just do enough to make it hard for the likes of Jagielka.
52 minCHANCE! It isn't the clearest of openings for Jelavic, but by the standards of this match that is a chance. Barkley slides the ball into the Croat, who has made a good run off the ball. However, he tries to flicked the ball with the outside of his right foot inside of shooting with his left and, as such, his effort goes harmlessly wide.
54 minHANDBAGS! Frazier Campbell and Marouane Fellaini have a coming together, and it looked like the latter was initially in the wrong. Campbell doesn't respond well however, putting his head towards Fellaini's before the ref is able to jump in and break the two up. He sorts it out without using his cards, which is lenient.
56 minSAVE! From the resulting free kick, Bellamy bends a well-placed shot towards the corner, but it doesn't have the required pace to beat Howard. It was from a long way out, allowing the Everton keeper to get across and make a comfortable catch. Good effort from Bellamy, though.
58 minEverton seem to be getting a little frustrated now. They just can't find a way through Cardiff at the moment, and the stubbornness of the visitors' defence is not helping the Toffees' temper.
60 minUPDATE: We're an hour in to the 3pm fixtures and we are STILL without a goal in any of them. Surely we can't half four goalless draws today?!
62 minCHANCE! Good opening for Bellamy, but his first touch lets him down! Kim found the striker with a very good pass and Bellamy has the right idea as he tries to take it around Howard, but his first touch is too heavy and takes him too far out wide as the chance goes begging.
64 minEverton are awarded a free kick in a good shooting position. It is perhaps a little central, but Marshall will still be nervous as three Everton man stand over it. It is Barkley who eventually goes for goal, but his effort is dreadful, barely leaving the floor before hitting the wall. I think next time a certain Leighton Baines may be pulling rank.
66 minUPDATE: You may need to sit down for this, folks - there has been a goal in the Premier League! Norwich have the first of the four 3pm kickoffs, taking the lead against Southampton through Nathan Redmond.
68 minEVERTON SUB: Meanwhile, back in Wales, we have our first change of the day as Jelavic trudges off the field after another torrid afternoon up front. His goal drought goes on and Arouna Kone replaces the Croat.
70 minDistin does well to deal with a dangerous ball into the box, as Cardiff threaten to take the lead. Meanwhile, Pienaar is down holding face after a clash with Kim. The Cardiff man did appear to catch Pienaar with his arm, but I'm not sure it was intentional.
72 minCardiff really will be a threat from corners this season. Whittingham in particular likes to whip the balls in towards pace at the near post, and they are very hard to deal with. Often, the only thing a defender can do is putting it behind for another corner.
73 minA cross from the left side finds its way out to Mirallas in a bit of space inside the box. He just can't bring it under immediate control, however, and his space is quickly closed down by Whittingham.
75 minBaines opts against shooting from 25 yards as he cuts onto his right foot before playing a clever reverse pass towards an unmarked Barkley. However, luck is not on Everton's side as the youngster slips just as Baines releases the ball, which trickles out for a goal kick.
77 minThis is a winnable match for both sides, and they both also have plenty of reasons to look for a win. Cardiff will want to pick up as many points as early as possible, especially at home, while Everton will be desperate for their first win of the season. Will either side be brave enough to go for it, though?
78 minCARDIFF SUB: Bellamy will not become the first player to score for seven different Premier League clubs today. His afternoon is over as he makes way for Don Cowie.
80 minKone is denied from a tight angle by a good Marshall save, but there is confusion over first a lack of a linesman's flag, and then the subsequent raising of the flag. The ball seemed to come off either Fellaini or a defender as it found its way to Kone. If it was the former, he was offside, if it was the latter, he wasn't and has missed a great chance.
82 minCLOSE! A rasping effort from Baines goes just wide, and he isn't happy with Fellaini's set-up. The Belgian rolled the ball back to his full-back’s weaker right foot, but it doesn't seem to make too much difference as Baines still got a very good connection with that. His effort is always serving away from goal, however, and ends up a yard or so wide.
84 minCARDIFF SUB: Kim will make way for the hosts here, to be replaced by Nicky Maynard.
85 minEVERTON SUB: Everton follow suit, bringing on the promising Gerard Deulofeu in place of Mirallas as Martinez goes in search of a first win in in the league this season.
86 minDeulofeu is immediately involved as he moves the ball onto his right foot before curling an effort goalwards, but it is straight at the keeper. Still, a little more positivity than we've seen for most of this match.
87 minAgain, Deulofeu goes for goal and again it is straight at the keeper. Everton are the team pushing for a winner here, and the young Spanish loanee has looked more eager to get himself on the scoresheet than anyone else so far, and he's only been on for two minutes!
88 minCARDIFF SUB: Gary Medel, who was very lucky not to give away a first-half penalty, makes way for Jordon Mutch, who has a minute of normal time plus any added time to make a difference here.
89 minUPDATES: Elsewhere, it has been comparative goals galore! Stoke and Newcastle have both taken late leads in their respective matches against West Ham and Fulham respectively.
90+1 minDeulofeu has really made a difference here, but he needs someone on the same page as him. He zips a brilliant cross right across the face of goal, but no Everton players are taking a risk and attacking it. They are all statuesque in the box and a potential tap in results in a goal kick.
90+3 minFULL TIME: Cardiff 0-0 Everton
4.54pmThe referee brings this one to an end, and it is another disappointing result for Everton, who are still looking for their first win of the season. For Cardiff, this was a winnable game, but a draw against Everton is by no means a bad result and Malky MacKay will probably be the happier of the two managers tonight.
4.56pmFrom Everton's point of view, they have now drawn all three of their Premier League matches so far this season, and have recorded two consecutive 0-0 draws. They look toothless in attack and that is certainly something that they will need to address, perhaps before the end of the transfer window. On the plus side, it is two clean sheets in a row, and the defence rarely looked troubled this afternoon.
4.58pmCardiff won't exactly be feeling the same sense of euphoria as they were at the end of their last Premier League match, and that five-goal thriller was pretty far away from today's 0-0 draw in terms of quality too, but they will still be content with the result. They remain unbeaten at home this season, and that is a record that they will look to keep up for as long as possible. It is also a first Premier League clean sheet for them, and MacKay can be very happy with how his defence performed this afternoon.
5pmRight, that is it from me this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's match between Everton and Norwich. We couldn't bring you any goals unfortunately, but I can bring you a match report, reaction and analysis, all of which will be on site shortly. If you want more live football, head over to join Jack Prescott, who is covering Crystal Palace vs. Sunderland here. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!
