Ross Barkley hit an 84th-minute winner as Everton climbed into the top four in the Premier League by securing a slender 2-1 victory over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

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Despite an insipid opening 45 minutes, both sides ultimately found their rhythm in the clash, with Seamus Coleman opening the scoring midway through the second half, before Dwight Tiendalli drew level shortly after.

However, Barkley, who had missed two earlier opportunities, eventually found his goal to send Everton into the top four in England's top flight.

Kevin Mirallas was recipient of the game's first opportunity, driving toward goal after nicking the ball from Chico Flores but, with players in support either side of him, the Belgium international opted to shoot before seeing his effort cannon off the frame of Ashley Williams.

Michael Laudrup's men then spurned the best chance of the half, as Wayne Routledge played striker Wilfried Bony through on goal, only for the Ivory Coast international to see his wild effort fly over the crossbar.

Roberto Martinez's men emerged from the interval as the better side, with Barkley, in particular, proving the most likely candidate to open the scoring.

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The 20-year-old could have broken the deadlock early in the second half but, after being played through on goal, lost his balance upon pulling the trigger.

The youngster came closer soon after, driving through the heart of the Swans' midfield before watching his left-footed strike tipped onto the crossbar by Tremmel.

With Everton turning the screw, it seemed a matter of time before the Merseyside outfit were rewarded for their dominance - and it came on 65 minutes. Coleman unleashed a fierce, right-footed drive outside the area and it swerved past Tremmel in the Swansea goal.

The advantage would prove short-lived, however, as Tiendalli equalised in somewhat fortuitous circumstances after a cross bounced off the Costa Rica international and trickled beyond Toffees shot-stopper Tim Howard.

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The pendulum swung back in Everton's favour with six minutes of normal time remaining, as Barkley saw his whipped free kick beat Tremmel via the crossbar to propel Martinez's charges into Champions League places at Christmas.