Aston Villa grabbed the initiative in the race for UEFA Cup qualification when John Carew headed his 13th goal of the season to secure a priceless 2-2 draw against Everton.

The fifth-place Toffees still hold a three-point advantage, but Villa's run-in looks easier with a home game with Wigan and a visit to West Ham on the last day.

Everton still have to go to Arsenal, with Newcastle at Goodison Park as their last match.

Everton were ahead after 56 minutes through Phil Neville's deflected effort, with Gabriel Agbonlahor equalising with 10 minutes left. Joseph Yobo had Everton ahead again before Carew's last-ditch leveller.

Earlier on Sunday Roque Santa Cruz virtually ended Portsmouth's chase for fifth spot with his sixth goal in seven matches as Blackburn claimed a late 1-0 victory at Fratton Park.

Santa Cruz played a one-two with former Pompey striker Jason Roberts before firing past goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown, deputising for England's David James who was out with a calf injury.

Up front Pompey lacked teeth with only Jermain Defoe looking likely to score, having a goal disallowed for offside.

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