Leon Osman scored the only goal in a game of few chances as Everton picked up their sixth league win of the season against Swansea City.
Both goalkeepers were rarely tested at Goodison Park as Swansea persisted with their patient Premier League strategy.
The home side created the best of the chances in the opening period, with Louis Saha and Magaye Gueye failing to beat Michel Vorm.
Osman rose highest on the hour mark to net his third league goal of the season from a Royston Drenthe corner.
Danny Graham had the chance to equalise seven minutes later but sent his header straight at Tim Howard.
David Moyes's side move up three places to 11th and go above Swansea, who drop to 14th.
