TIM Cahill broke Blackburn Rovers' hearts at Ewood Park this afternoon after his 90th minute strike earned Everton a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Jason Roberts thought he had rescued Blackburn Rovers a valuable point with a 20 yard volley on 81 minutes to cancel out Ayegbeni Yakubu's header.

Cahill though popped up with seconds remaining to tap home Yakubu's cross from close range to keep alive their slim European hopes.

Earlier Steven Nzonzi had scored his first ever Premier League goal at Ewood with a spectacular 30-yard strike to cancel out Mikel Arteta's third minute penalty.

Rovers suffered the worst start possible on just three minutes when a rash tackle by skipper Ryan Nelsen on Mikel Arteta left referee Mr Marriner no option but to point to the penalty spot.

Arteta, who was expected to miss the game through injury, dusted himself down to fire home the penalty to give Everton the early lead.

The visitors showed why they are one of the Premier League's form sides as they got the ball down to play some neat football – but it was Rovers who could have been level on 11 minutes.

Morten Gamst Pedersen's right wing corner was flicked on by Keith Andrews' head, after Tim Howard's weak punch, but Nikola Kalinic's close range volley was blocked by the American goalkeeper with Tim Cahill able to hack clear with Dunn waiting to pounce.

Marriner was at the centre of the action again on 19 and how he didn't brandish the red card to Arteta remains a mystery.

The midfielder seemed to poke Pedersen in the eye, after taking offence to a slight trip by the Norwegian, but incredibly the referee opted to caution both players.

Kalinic was inches away from converting Pedersen's corner on the half hour mark, while Olsson had a strike blocked on the line as Rovers' dominated the last 20 minutes of the half.

Everton came out of the blocks the quicker after the break and could have seen their lead doubled, with Cahill heading over the bar and Arteta having a 20-yard free-kick saved by Robinson.

Leighton Baines' 67th minute volley struck the outside of the post from 25 yards before Rovers got themselves level through the most unlikely candidate.

Nzonzi picked the ball up 40 yards out from goal on 69 minutes, beat his man, and then curled a wonderful 30-yard strike past goalkeeper Howard to bring the home crowd to life.

Rovers were suddenly rampant, with Dunn winning challenges in the heart of the midfield, Phil Jones again driving the side on from the back and Olsson a constant threat on the flanks.

Nelsen headed over the bar with little more than 10 minutes remaining, but the hosts were behind again on 80 when Yakubu headed home Baines' long throw with his first touch after being brought on as a substitute.

A minute later though Rovers were level again as Roberts raced on to Salgado's flick forward and brilliantly volleyed home from 20 yards.

But Cahill was to have the last word leaving Rovers fans deflated but proud of their side's brave effort.