Everton have moved up to fourth in the Premier League table by overcoming Norwich City 2-0 at Goodison Park this afternoon.
Goals from Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas ensured that the Toffees kept up their impressive home record and took all three points, while the Canaries remain just three points above relegation.
Here, Sports Mole has dissected the 90 minutes that unfolded on Merseyside.
Match statistics
Everton
Shots: 23
On target: 5
Possession: 63%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 7
Norwich City
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 37%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
In short, yes. While Norwich had some chances in both halves, it was Everton who controlled the middle of the park and kept the game at a high tempo and intensity, which the visiting side were unable to break. It may have taken two impressive individual goals to grab all three points for the Toffees, but the team performance from Roberto Martinez's men showed why they are contenders for Europe this season.
Everton's performance
As mentioned above, Everton controlled the game from the start, keeping with the fast-paced style that has served them well so far this season. They imposed wave upon wave of attack, which eventually resulted in a stunning goal from Barry. They continued their dominance in the second half and were rewarded when Mirallas found the back of the net from a free kick. The Merseyside outfit rarely slowed down the tempo, keeping Norwich on their toes for the 90 minutes.
Norwich City's performance
The Canaries showed signs that they can be a threat on goal due to their impressive counter-attacks. However, forwards Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel were let down by their final touches. The team spent the majority of the match defending and they completely lost the midfield from the start. However, if it wasn't for a few poor touches in the final third, Norwich could have found themselves on the scoresheet.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Gareth Barry: There were many contenders for this as Everton put on an impressive team performance, but special mention should go to Gareth Barry. Not only has the midfielder been a vital cog in Martinez's team since his loan arrival from Manchester City in the summer, Barry managed to open the scoring this afternoon with a wonderful strike. Everton took control of the middle of the park instantly, and Barry was a major reason for that. He may not have been the most talked about during the game, but he did the job required, and did it well.
Biggest gaffe
Gary Hooper could have picked up a few of these. While it was goalless in the first half, the forward had the perfect opportunity to get a shot on goal when the ball was lifted over the top and down to his feet. However, his first touch was poor and the ball just bobbled away from him, allowing Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard to sweep it up with his hands.
Referee performance
Kevin Friend was at the receiving end of a few jeers from Everton fans throughout the fixture, but the match official had no real serious issues to contend with during the game. In the first half, Robert Snodgrass could have been cautioned following a number of fouls on Steven Pienaar, but he escaped a booking. Apart from that, Friend had a relatively positive game.
What next?
Everton: The Toffees travel to The Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion in the league on January 20.
Norwich City: The Canaries play Fulham in their FA Cup third-round replay next Tuesday, before taking on Hull City at home.
Danielle Joynson
