A disastrous Peter Crouch own-goal had given Everton the lead on the stroke of half-time at the Brittania Stadium.

But an inspired triple substitution from Tony Pulis paid immediate dividends as Jerome came off the bench to give Stoke what could be an important point in their bid for a top-half finish.

Matthew Etherington had the first real chance of the game, volleying just over the bar on 14 minutes for the hosts, while defender Robert Huth nodded just over the bar moments later.

Everton were forced into an early change when Nigerian Victor Anichebe hobbled off, with Frenchman Magaye Gueye brought on in his place.

And Gueye nearly set up a goal shortly after his introduction as he whipped in a terrific cross for forward partner Nikica Jelavic, who fired over.

Steven Pienaar was next to try his luck with Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic doing well to tip the South African's effort over the bar.

The visitors finally got their goal just moments before half-time when Crouch – who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season – netted at the wrong end.

A quick Pienaar free-kick found Tony Hibbert and his cross into the box caused mass confusion, with the ball eventually finding its way into the net via the shoulder of Crouch.

Everton – who were hoping to become the first Premier League side to score four goals in four successive matches – picked up where they left off, with Leon Osman initially blocked by Huth before he fired wide.

Stoke were having little impact going forward and as a result, Pulis introduced Jerome, Ricardo Fuller and Glenn Whelan in a bold move.

And just moments later the manager was celebrating as Jerome's powerful run ended in a terrific goal.

The former Birmingham City forward received the ball on the halfway line and charged forward, with a lucky deflection presenting him with a chance to shoot.

Jerome did just that, firing past a despairing Tim Howard in the Everton goal thanks to a slight touch from defender Phil Jagielka.

And Jerome nearly scored again just moments after when his header dropped just over the bar while Jagielka and Osman had chances for the visitors.

Everton looked the more likely in the final stages with Jelavic a constant threat but Stoke held on for a point that extended their unbeaten record at home to six.

Pulis' side now sit 13th while Everton are seventh, three points clear of city rivals Liverpool.