Everton have moved into seventh in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park.
It was the home side who started the better and they might have taken the lead after just two minutes with an effort from Leon Osman, but he headed wide from close range.
Darron Gibson was next to come close for the home side after five minutes, but he fired wide from outside the box.
Everton did take the lead, however, after 18 minutes when Osman struck a powerful shot which took a deflection off Baggies defender Gareth McAuley before evading his goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Marouane Fellaini came close to the home side's second after 28 minutes, but his effort was smartly saved by Foster.
West Brom were not without their chances, however, and Paul Scharner brought a fine save out of Howard just past the 30-minute mark in the match.
Nikica Jelavic remained a threat for Everton in the early stages of the second period, and twice brought the best out of Foster just shy of the hour mark in the match.
Keith Andrews came close for West Brom moments later, but his shot from outside the box drifted wide when he might have done better.
Everton added their second, however, after 68 minutes when Steven Pienaar found Victor Anichebe, and the Nigerian rattled the ball past Foster.
Peter Odemwingie came close for the away side in the latter stages of the half, but it was Everton who looked the most likely to add their third, with Jelavic always a threat.
Matt Law
