Everton made it three consecutive Premier League wins with a 3-2 home win over Swansea City. Leighton Baines, Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley were on target but the Blues still finished nervously thanks to a late Swansea goal which made the game closer than it felt for much of the afternoon.
This was far from a vintage Everton performance but despite Swansea domination a large percentage of the possession, the Blues were relatively comfortable from the moment Lukaku poked home a Kevin Mirallas cross to put Roberto Martinez’ men 2-1 ahead. A stooping header from Ross Barkley moments later eased any frustrations in the crowd and from that moment forward the Blues were happy to sit on the 3-1 lead.
The first half had been far from comfortable and after Wilfred Bony equalised an earlier Leighton Baines Penalty, Everton had to withstand a barrage from a Swansea side that looked far too accomplished to find themselves in a relegation battle. Tim Howard and the Everton defence were able to hold firm and the game changed in favour of the Blues after the interval.
The win moves Everton in to the top five and leaves a tantalising possibility of Champions League football next season. Arsenal would appear to be vulnerable and the eight point gap could be eroded further by the time Arsene Wenger’s men arrive at Goodison in a fortnights time. Away fixtures in the next 8 days against Newcastle and Fulham must be won if the Blues are to have hopes beyond the Europa League, but in this season of unexpected results, nothing should be ruled impossible.
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