Everton swept into second place in the Premier League with an impressive 3-0 victory over 10-man Swansea on Saturday. David Moyes’ side surged into a two-goal lead at the Liberty Stadium thanks to first half strikes from Victor Anichebe and Kevin Mirallas.
Swansea’s hopes of avoiding a second successive defeat were in tatters when substitute Nathan Dyer, who had only been on the pitch for 12 minutes, was sent off in the second half. Marouane Fellaini put the result beyond doubt with a late goal and Everton’s third win of the league campaign moved the Toffees level on points with leaders Chelsea, although they are likely to surrender that lofty position by Sunday evening. Swansea had handed a full debut to Spanish midfielder Pablo Hernandez, the club’s record signing from Valencia, while Anichebe replaced injured Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic for Everton. After the disappointment of squandering the lead in Monday’s draw against Newcastle, Everton looked determined to make amends in south Wales and the visitors opened the scoring in controversial fashion in the 21st minute.
Fellaini beat Alan Tate to a high ball and the Belgian midfielder’s flick, which appeared to come off his elbow, reached Anichebe, who fired home to claim his second goal of the week. Everton doubled their lead in the 43rd minute when Mirallas ended his wait for a first Premier League goal since his £6 million move from Olympiakos on transfer deadline day last month. Steven Pienaar unhinged the Swansea defence with a burst down the right flank and his low cross found Mirallas, whose initial shot was touched on to the bar by Michel Vorm before the Belgian striker reacted quickest to nod the rebound over the line.
