Everton - 0 Middlesbrough - 0:It is best not to remind David Moyes of the maxim that decisions even themselves out over a season. At Goodison Park the conviction is they do not, especially where penalties are concerned. The defining moments of a stalemate provided the Everton manager with bonus footage for a video he is considering submitting to the footballing authorities.

Four times hopeful gazes were cast at the referee, Phil Dowd, and on each occasion Everton were disappointed. Though he has procured a solitary Premiership penalty this season, Andrew Johnson has become synonymous with such appeals and the first and strongest involved him.

Anticipating Mikel Arteta's free-kick, he ran into the Middlesbrough penalty area before being tugged by Andrew Taylor. Johnson, perhaps mindful of his reputation, kept his balance. "I thought it was one at the time," said Moyes. "Andy reacted as though he had been pulled back." Gareth Southgate said: "I'm in the worst seat in the house really."

It was the first of three claims in the first 12 minutes. Another came in the second half. But, when Arteta was impeded by Jonathan Woodgate, Dowd was equally unresponsive.

"We've given up. We don't even jump up and down on the touchline now," said Moyes.

He was more animated about James Beattie, restricted to a cameo amid speculation his time on Merseyside is nearing an end. "James is fine and he definitely won't be sold in the window."

Southgate was pleased by the result, even though Middlesbrough are yet to win away under him: "We have picked up points at Arsenal, Bolton, Villa and Everton, all very good home sides," he said. "We showed incredible resilience really."

Middlesbrough's two best players, Emanuel Pogatetz and Woodgate, certainly did.

Prolonging the latter's stay on Teesside remains a priority for Southgate. "We have to show him our ambitions match his," he said, though after a particularly unambitious display his timing left something to be desired.

Indeed, his side's defensive stubbornness provided a contrast with their insipid approach to anything more progressive. It required the introduction of Mark Viduka to give Middlesbrough any urgency in attack.

Viduka had a goal disallowed and his station on the bench for the first half was an indication of negativity. His omission granted Gaizka Mendieta a first start in three months. The Basque, whom Middlesbrough want to offload, is in the shop window but mannequins have produced more vibrant displays.The only exquisite skill came from Everton fan Andrew Mackey at the interval, twice chipping on to the crossbar to win a car for his friend. ... Guardian Service