Swansea 0-2 Everton

Everton travelled to South Wales today to face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. After a fantastic performance, the Blues won the game 2-0. David Moyes made 3 changes to the side that were defeated in midweek by Arsenal. Fellaini and Heitinga started the game on the bench as they were replaced by Tony Hibbert and Darron Gibson who returned from injury to face the Swans. Whereas Drenthe didnt even travel with the team due to a rumoured injury he picked up against Arsenal.

The beginning of the first half werent the best but the Blues soon began to get in their stride and began to dominant the game. Despite not having too many chances, Everton's possesion in the Swansea half was much better than the hosts'. Jagielka was forced into making a few life saving challenges in the Everton box. But, other than a small number of shots from Swansea, the first half consisted of no big opportunities from either side. The closest Everton come to a goal in the first half was Jelavic header that went a few yards wide.

Everton starting the second half just as they ended the first. The Blues were on the front foot right from the off and the first real chance to taking the lead was a Darron Gibson shot from around 30 yards out which was brilliantly saved by Swansea keeper Vorm followed by a Jelavic acrobat rebound that went just wide. But, not long later, an Everton free kick right on the edge of the box was converted brilliantly by Leighton Baines into the top corner. Another class finish by Baines to become our top goalscorer. Just a few minutes later, Everton broke again and after some good play, Pienaar got the ball on his right foot but his shot curled just wide of the goal. The Blues were playing brilliantly and when Pienaar and Jelavic broke again, the Croatian recived the ball from Pienaar but his effort went just wide. But, it werent long before we had another chance and this time it was Fellaini who made the chance with a great run and he found Jelavic just a few yard out who tapped the ball home to make it 2-0. We then continued to press and when Strac was brought on for Jelavic, he had a great opportunity when Pienaar found him but Vorm was there to rescue Swansea again. Strac then had another effort saved by Vorm but we couldnt make it 3-0. Swansea never threatened at all in the second half and so the Blues ended the game as just the 3rd team to win at the Liberty Stadium.

My man of the match today was Steven Pienaar. The South African was quality today especially in the second half.

Match ratings;
Howard; 6 Didn't have much to do today
Baines; 8 Played brilliantly down the left and got a goal to top it off
Hibbert; 7 Brilliant defending again today by him
Jagielka; 8 Werent happy that Heitinga was dropped, but Jags played brilliantly
Distin; 7 Another class performance from the Frenchman
Pienaar; 10 The South African was absolutely brilliant!
Osman; 7 Werent in the game as much as the other midfielders but still played well
Gibson; 8 Good return from injuryfor him. Played well
Neville; 7 Surprised to see him involved today instead of Felli, but solid performance from Neville
Cahill; 7 Didnt play a lot of the second half but he was alright from what he did play
Jelavic; 9 Missed a good opportunity, but his all round performance was good and he got himslelf a goal
Fellaini; 9 When he come on, he was absolutely class as usual

Bring on Sunderland!!!