Window Shopping Pays Dividends

By Luke O'Farrell   ::  01/04/2012 Everton recorded a third successive 2 - 0 win without getting out of second gear. The Everton defence will not have an easier 90 minutes all season with Tim Howard a spectator for the most part. Goodison Park has seen two victorious West Brom teams since 1957; Roy Hodgson's current crop never looked like making it three.

Everton made a fast start with Osman and Gibson going close early on. The home side were dominating proceedings early on without actually creating much. David Moyes? side seemed to be running out of idea when they took the lead. After a smart turn, and a neat one-two with Jelavic, Osman?s tame effort took a wicked deflection to give Everton the lead.

West Brom began to wake up and Paul Scharner forced Tim Howard into his only save from inside the area. Chris Brunt fired the follow-up into his own player and Everton survived. Marouane Fellaini had a stinging effort palmed around the post as Everton looked to extend their lead. At the other end, a great Leighton Baines block prevented Scharner from putting West Brom on level terms. Pienaar fired wide for Everton as the clock began to reach the 45-minute mark.

Fellaini fired wide, Jelavic headed straight at Foster and Jelavic fired a free kick over as Everton looked to put the game to bed. Keith Andrews blazed over as the visitors struggled with James Morrison's absence. One farcical second half moment summed up West Brom as Foster and Odemwingie squared up to each other after an Everton corner.

Everton extended their lead, just before the 70-minute mark, thanks to Victor Anichebe. A driving Pienaar run created space and he fed Anichebe who fired in from 20 yards via the right hand post. West Brom almost pulled a goal back within seconds of Everton going two ahead. Shane Long found space in the area, after showing good pace, but his effort flew wide of the near post.

After brilliant work by Jelavic, Pienaar missed a great chance to kill the game. The South African's effort was too close to Foster who saved well. Fortune and Odemwingie wasted openings as West Brom?s day to forget continued. Everton tried to walk in a third but Jelavic?s effort lacked the necessary power. The missed chance mattered little as Everton saw the game out with ease to celebrate a routine win.

Steven Pienaar marked a first class performance with an assist and a 92% pass completion rate (67 / 73). Pienaar is such an intelligent footballer, his partnership with Baines is top draw; he improves Everton?s style of play tenfold. David Moyes' first business in the summer needs to be a permanent deal for the South African playmaker.

Darron Gibson continues to impress with his passing range and unsung work in midfield. His discipline and presence in front of the back four is bringing the best out of Fellaini. Fellaini can push forward and be more influential with Gibson behind him plugging any gaps. The ex-Manchester United midfielder is proving to be Everton's lucky charm; Gibson is unbeaten in 10 Everton appearances. Overall, Gibson is unbeaten in his last 23 Premier League games.

Nikica Jelavic teed up Osman for the first and brilliantly set up Pienaar's chance late on. The Croatian has added another dimension to Everton's attack with his movement and ability. Jelavic offers a goal threat; something Everton have lacked for years. However, Jelavic's also offers brilliant link up play; he is able to create and score.

Fellaini battled well but appeared frustrated at times; his class still shines through though. Tim Cahill offered little, often slowing attacks down when they needed speeding up and he seems out of sorts. Since his goals dried up, it is not always clear to see what Cahill brings to the side. Should Ross Barkley develop as expected, he must surely challenge for Cahill's place within the year.

Playing exactly 11 years after his début, Tony Hibbert had his best game in weeks. The imperious John Heitinga is proving an adequate leader in Phil Neville?s absence. Phil Jagielka slotted into the back four with ease whilst Baines continually shows his class. Leon Osman showed flashes of quality but struggled once picking up a knock. His half time withdrawal was precautionary not serious.

Everton are reaping the rewards of a productive January transfer window. August - December saw Everton produce their customary slow start with an appalling transfer window making matters worse. January onwards is seeing the usual upturn in fortunes with the new players having an impact.

Until Everton can tackle their slow starts, they will remain firmly pressed against the glass ceiling of the Top 8. The past week has given Evertonians a glimpse; finding that level of performance regularly is the hard part.

Ratings:

Howard 7 Hibbert 7 Jagielka 7 Heitinga 7 Baines 8 Osman 7 Fellaini 7 Gibson 8 Pienaar 9* Cahill 6 Jelavic 7

Subs: Gueye 6 Anichebe 7 McFadden N/A

Follow @lukeofarrell

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