Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesNikica Jelavic's effort wasn't enough to prevent a draw

Everton are playing out the same script of late. The opposition changes and the scores vary but the outcome is all too familiar. Individual errors and missed chances are hindering the team and the Toffees cannot find a consistent level of performance. After a favourable run of fixtures, Everton have picked up just eight points in seven matches - including Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Norwich - and for a team with European aspirations that is not good enough.

- Norwich equalise on late goal

The opening stages followed the pattern of recent weeks. For the second successive game, Everton were in the ascendency and notched an early goal. Unfortunately, as it did at Reading last week, the failure to build on the early lead proved costly. Steven Naismith added another goal to his tally after good work from Bryan Oviedo. On his full debut, the Costa Rican impressed and boosted his claims for more regular outings.

Everton had a penalty claim waved away, shortly after the goal; one of many indifferent decisions made by Mike Jones. One in particular stands out and it came on the stroke of half time. Norwich’s Robert Snodgrass overran the ball and, as Leighton Baines gained possession, he pushed the Everton left back to the ground. As the whistle sounded, Snodgrass retreated; even he thought the foul was against him. However, Jones surprised all with his decision (a recurring theme) and somehow saw it as a Norwich free kick.

Despite the ineptness of the man in the middle, he is not the reason Everton failed to secure the three points. In that department, the team and manager have only themselves to blame. Injuries limited his options today but David Moyes is not proactive enough with his substitutions. In their search for an equaliser, Norwich made attacking changes and it gave them impetus. In contrast, Everton’s first change came in injury time after a visibly tiring team had conceded an equaliser.

While the bench was full of inexperienced youngsters, it is a case of needs must. Moyes needed to influence the game, as Norwich grew stronger by the minute. Often thrown in when comfortably ahead or chasing the game, it should not be any different when trying to hold onto a lead. The depth of the squad is lacking, so the need for trust in the younger players is even greater.

On the chances front, this was not one of Everton’s better games and only Leighton Baines managed to extend John Ruddy in the Norwich goal. With clear-cut chances scarce, Everton needed a solid defence but it caved in with minutes remaining. The set piece is rapidly becoming Everton’s Achilles heel this season. The insistence on bringing all 11 back is creating confusion and panic within the Everton defence. At one point, three Everton defenders were still arguing about marking duties as the free kick came into the penalty area.

For the visitor’s equaliser, John Heitinga’s nonexistent marking allowed Sebastian Bassong a free header but Tim Howard should have claimed the free kick. Emitting a total lack of confidence, the uncertainty from Howard is spreading like a disease through the Everton defence.

The home side showcased the problems that have dogged them all season but credit to the visitors. Norwich never gave up and Tim Howard was the busier of the two goalkeepers over the course of the game. Led by the infuriating but effective Grant Holt, Norwich continued their impressive recent form and Chris Hughton will be the happier of the two managers tonight.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are on the horizon and significant improvement is necessary, as this impressive start threatens to fizzle out. The return of Marouane Fellaini and one or two others will provide a welcome boost. Everton have a tendency to raise their game against the league’s best, let us hope they continue that trend on Wednesday night.

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