AMSTERDAM – Everton suffered a double knockout punch on Boxing Day, with star netminder Tim Howard leaving with a calf injury at halftime of a 1-0 home defeat to Geoff Cameron and Stoke City.
The Toffees backstop notched one save and was narrowly beaten by Bojan Krkić's 38th-minute spot kick before departing at the break. Everton manager Roberto Martinez confirmed in his postgame comments that Howard had injured his calf and was considered doubtful for Sunday's visit to Newcastle, pending a closer exam on Saturday.
Cameron, meanwhile, switched to right back after several games in midfield for the Potters. In a solid full shift, the US international moved the ball efficiently while going down in the books for six clearances, three pass picks and a yellow card. The result pushed Stoke a point ahead of Everton and into 11th place.
Elsewhere, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa fell at Swansea City for the second season running by a 1-0 count.
The USMNT No. 1 had little to do on a day when Villa carried play and squandered a couple of huge chances to score. Guzan notched one save and claimed one cross as the 13th-place visitors saw their winless run reach three matches.
Jozy Altidore had limited touches in 28 relief minutes as Sunderland bumbled to a 3-1 loss against previously struggling guests Hull City.
The Black Cats were unable to create many chances after taking the initial lead through Adam Johnson less than a minute into the game. Despite crashing back to Earth from their derby win at Newcastle, Sunderland stayed docked in 14th place.
One league below in the Championship, Tim Ream ably held down left back as streaking Bolton doubled up visiting derby rivals Blackburn 2-1.
The reigning Wanderers Player of the Year completed 40 of 47 passes without a single handling turnover, while pitching in on defense with four tackles. By winning for the fifth time in six home games and stretching their overall unbeaten run to eight games, Bolton jumped two spots to 12th.
Around the league, Daniel Williams and Reading were bitten near the death to settle for a 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. The defensive midfielder had a relatively quiet outing as the Royals held firm in 17th place.
Eric Lichaj and ninth place Nottingham Forest were blanked in a 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough. The Reds' win drought extended to five matches, despite a team-high eight clearances and four interceptions from the Illinois native.
Charlton defender Oguchi Onyewu worked 32 solid minutes off the bench, helping Charlton rally for a last-gasp 1-1 home share with Cardiff City. Playing in the middle of a three-man backline, the veteran notched three clearances and a big stoppage time shot block as the Addicks stayed in 11th place despite remaining winless in six.
Also, Emerson Hyndman watched on as Fulham fell to 15th place by dropping a 2-0 decision at Bournemouth.
