Queens Park Rangers were in desperate need of a victory against Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon to keep their fading survival hopes alive.
Everton have been in fine form recently and took the lead just before the break thanks to a deflected drive from Darron Gibson.
The visitors were unable to mount a response and fell further behind after the interval when Victor Anichebe finished neatly from close range.
Here, Sports Mole dissects how the Toffees were able to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches with an important 2-0 victory.
Match statistics:
Everton:
Shots 14
On target 10
Possession 55%
Corners 13
Fouls 6
Queens Park Rangers:
Shots 8
On target 5
Possession 45%
Corners 5
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
Everton were definitely worthy winners this afternoon after dominating possession and territory for much of the match. QPR had moments of encouragement early on but faded badly after the break. The Toffees controlled midfield with relative ease and always look a threat on both flanks thanks to the forward runs of Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman.
Everton's performance
Despite making a shaky start the home side hit their stride after 20 minutes and didn't look back. Gibson's opener may have been fortunate but Everton always carried a threat in the final third, primarily due to the power and purpose of Victor Anichebe. Marouane Fellaini was quiet on his return to the side, but Coleman and Kevin Mirallas were a constant threat down the right and gave Jose Bosingwa a torrid time throughout.
QPR's performance
Early promise for the Hoops was once again undermined by defensive lapses in concentration. Loic Remy went close early on but rarely received any kind of meaningful service or support. Adel Taarabt carried a threat when he came on but Anichebe's second really took the wind out of QPR's sails, with the final 15 minutes played at a mundane pace.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Darron Gibson The midfielder enjoyed one his best games in an Everton shirt, combining attacking intent with a disciplined performance to completely dominate Jermaine Jenas in the middle third. David Moyes will feel the Republic of Ireland international can become an important player for the Toffees on this evidence.
Biggest gaffe
Very unfortunately this award must go to Clint Hill, who unknowingly diverted a stray drive from Gibson into his own net. His insistence on closing the ball down was unnecessary, with two QPR players also attempting to block a powerful shot. QPR will feel luck went against them on that occasion, but Hill's poor block proved decisive.
Referee's performance
Lee Mason was largely quiet throughout, bar a spate of yellow cards early in the second half. The official did draw furious reactions from the home side after failing to award an early penalty for Hill's late challenge on Mirallas. On closer inspection Everton should definitely have got a penalty, but otherwise a solid display from the referee.
What next?
Everton: A crucial clash in the race for Champions League places is next up for the Toffees on Tuesday. They travel to Arsenal in the knowledge that a victory would see them go fifth.
QPR: Harry Redknapp must somehow lift his beleaguered side for a clash with struggling Stoke City next weekend.
Liam Power
