Baggies rebound amid Anelka controversy

Spaniard Pepe Mel's first match as manager of West Bromwich Albion ended in a 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton at the Hawthorns on Monday as the controversy engulfing Nicolas Anelka took a new twist.

Diego Lugano's first goal in English soccer, a powerful 75th-minute header, earned West Brom a share of the spoils after visiting Everton, which would have gone into the Champions League places with a victory, had taken a first-half lead on a goal by Kevin Mirallas.

The result saw West Brom move four points clear of the relegation zone and left Everton five in front of reigning champion Manchester United, managed by its former boss David Moyes.