An individual goal from Kevin Mirallas was enough for Everton to record a 1-0 victory over Stoke City at Goodison Park this afternoon.
The Belgium international found the net during the first half having run with the ball from just outside his own penalty area.
Sports Mole looks back over the 90 minutes to determine if Stoke could argue that they were deserving of a share of the spoils.
Match statistics:
Everton:
Shots 15
On target 9
Possession 55%
Corners 4
Fouls 13
Stoke:
Shots 10
On target 5
Possession 45%
Corners 3
Fouls 18
Was the result fair?
It was little surprise when Match of the Day confirmed that this match would be last on their show later tonight. It was by no means a classic, let's put it that way. The hosts were deserving winners, though. They were far more adventurous and had that bit of flair and creativity that was lacking from the away side.
Everton's performance
It wasn't pretty, but they've got the win. When all is said and done, that is all that matters. They were the better side, though, and at times did look threatening. It could have been a greater winning margin had Nikica Jelavic been wearing his shooting boots. One big plus for manager David Moyes will be the return from injury of Phil Jagielka. He makes Everton look so much more assured and comfortable in defence.
Stoke's performance
The Potters are now right in the relegation mix and on today's evidence you can see why. Granted, Goodison Park is a tough place to go, but even after they had fallen behind, Stoke showed very little ambition. There was a lack of creativity in midfield that left Peter Crouch up front with scraps to feed off. If they continue to play this way, it could be a nervy end to the campaign for supporters of Stoke.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kevin Mirallas: The Belgium international was the one player on the pitch who showed any true quality today. He may have faded during the second half, but for his goal alone he deserves this award. There haven't been many better individual goals all season.
Biggest gaffe
It would have taken something particularly bad to let Jonathan Walters off the hook for his miss early in the first half, but this game managed to produce it. Step forward Ryan Shotton, who found himself with a headed chance just two yards from goal. It looked as though he was going to nod Stoke level, but he somehow lifted the ball over the crossbar. From that distance, it didn't look possible for him to do that.
Referee performance
Usually when these two sides meet, it is a physical battle - or in other words, a referee's nightmare. That never really materialised, today though, which made Mike Jones's evening much easier. Perhaps he did get a little card-happy during the second half, but in Jones's defence, he was receiving plenty of dissent.
What next?
Everton: A tough trip for Everton next week as they visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Stoke: Following today's loss, Stoke's next match against fellow relegation candidates Aston Villa looks to be extremely important. They will meet in the Potteries on Saturday afternoon.
