Birmingham prevented Everton from leapfrogging them in the league by coming back from two goals down to secure a draw at St Andrews.

The game began as if both teams were content with their positions in mid-table rather than intent on pushing for an improbable European place but that impression soon evaporated as Everton suddenly stepped up a gear.

Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill both forced fine saves from Joe Hart before Victor Anichebe received a Phil Neville pass with his back to goal in the 19th minute, then spun past Liam Ridgewell and rifled the ball into the top corner.

Before Birmingham could come up with a response they fell further behind as Pienaar dodged past Lee Bowyer on the byline and chipped a ball to the back post, where Yakubu nodded it into the net.

Now came the home side’s reply, and a dollop of good luck. Cameron Jerome did little more than graze Keith Fahey’s cross with his laces but that was enough to confound the Everton defence and the ball hurtled through Phil Jagielka’s legs and beyond goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Birmingham became more energetic and assertive in midfield and stretched Everton regularly after that, but a long-range bobbler from Christian Benítez was all they sent by way of shot in the remainder of the first half, and Howard collected that comfortably. At the other end Hart plunged full-length to catch the ball on the stroke of half-time, though there had been no need to as Leighton Baines’s freekick was heading wide.

Within seven minutes of the resumption Birmingham were level with a goal of simple conception. Hart launched a goalkick downfield, Jerome headed it on and Craig Gardner struck a low, first-time shot into the net from the edge of the area.

Everton regained control of midfield after that and their quick interplay constantly had Birmingham going backwards. Alex McLeish’s men defended vigilantly, however, and chances were scarce. Cahill surged from deep to shoot from 18 yards in the 74th minute, but Hart blocked without difficulty.

Injuries to Cahill and Anichebe interrupted the visitors’ attempts to forge a winner. The casualties meant substitute Landon Donovan came on for Yakubu but he did not get an opportunity to score a valedictory goal before his return to the USA.

Premier LeagueBirmingham CityEvertonPaul Doyleguardian.co.uk

• Spanish midfielder faces another two months on sidelines
• Benni McCarthy seeks move away from Blackburn Rovers

Mikel Arteta has suffered another setback in his recovery from a cruciate-ligament injury that may sideline the influential Everton playmaker until the new year.

The Spanish midfielder has been out since rupturing the cruciate at Newcastle United in February but there are fears he may need a second minor operation, and his third on the problem in total, with the knee still causing discomfort.

Everton’s manager David Moyes, missing several senior players since last season, initially hoped to have Arteta available again in September. That target was postponed for two months when the midfielder underwent surgery shortly after his return to training, but a November comeback now appears unlikely with Arteta still troubled by the problem when he reported back to Finch Farm at the weekend.

The club have yet to decide whether the 27-year-old requires further surgery but it has not been discounted – it would likely delay his return for a further two months. The dilemma represents a major setback for Moyes, whose absentee list has reached double figures this season.

He remains without Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville, Victor Anichebe, Steven Pienaar and James Vaughan, all with knee problems. Moyes is also concerned about Tim Cahill’s fitness as the team prepare for tomorrow’s Europa League return meeting with Benfica, and for which John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are ineligible.

Cahill missed training on Monday, along with Leon Osman, after picking up a knock in Saturday’s draw against Aston Villa but he will receive intensive treatment and is likely to play with discomfort, given that Moyes has so many holes to fill in his side.

Benni McCarthy, meanwhile, has admitted that he wants to leave Blackburn Rovers and will seek a January move, according to his agent. The South African striker, 32 next week, has struggled to hold down a first-team place at Ewood Park this season, making just one start in 10 league games, although he has scored two Carling Cup goals.

“Yes, Benni wants to leave Blackburn,” Rob Moore said. “He has not been given the chance to show his worth this season in the Premier League and it seems like he is not the type of player Sam Allardyce is looking for.”

Moore added that McCarthy’s countryman Elrio van Heerden, who joined Rovers in the summer, may also be searching for a new club in a bid to boost his World Cup chances. “This has been a bad season at Blackburn for both Elrio and Benni neither seem to be the kind of player that fits into the Blackburn system and both need to move on in January,” he added.

EvertonPremier LeagueDavid MoyesAndy Hunterguardian.co.uk