Roberto Martinez has praised his former side Swansea City for giving Everton a run for their money at Goodison Park.
The Toffees took the lead in the Premier League clash through a Leighton Baines penalty, before Wilfried Bony levelled the contest.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley gave Everton a two-goal cushion in the second half, but the Swans hit back once more with a late goal courtesy of Ashley Williams.
"Swansea City are a very good side, technically they are really strong," Martinez is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News of the side he managed for three seasons. "I thought we started the game really well, the first 20 minutes we got the goal and from that point on, I think we finished the half really poorly and that allowed Swansea to have a well-deserved equaliser.
"I think the second half, we started with a better intensity, with a better intent, and that gave us a two-goal cushion and from that point on, we probably sat back a little bit.
"Overall it was a difficult game, don't make a mistake about it. We are just pleased to get those three points and obviously that maintains a very good run at home."
Everton remain in fifth place in the league table following the victory.
Daniel Lewis
