Everton broke a three-game winless streak in the Barclays Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Swansea at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
After picking up just one point from their last three matches, this win will come as a mighty relief for coach David Moyes and his team. As for the Swans, they are still awaiting their first away win since being promoted to the English top flight.
After a quiet opening, Everton began to put their visitors under pressure and create scoring chances. The first arrived in the 28th minute when Johnny Heitinga got on the end of a Tony Hibbert cross but put his header over the crossbar.
Six minutes later striker Louis Saha headed wide of the target from Leon Osman’s cross, and it was soon the chance of substitute Magaye Gueye to force a good save out of Swansea goalkeeper Michael Vorm with a volleyed shot inside the penalty area.
Despite their growing dominance, Everton ended the first half locked at 0-0 with the Welsh side. Twelve minutes after the restart Osman had the first chance of the second stanza, but his shot flew straight into the arms of Vorm.
However, on the hour mark, the Toffees finally broke through: Royston Drenthe provided a perfect cross from a corner kick and Osman powered a header into the back of the net to put the hosts 1-0 up.
That lone goal proved to be enough for Everton, who move on to 20 points in 11th place. Swansea remain on 18 but drop to 14th.