Match Analysis: Swansea City 1-1 Everton

Everton saw their three-game winning run in the Premier League come to an end on Saturday when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City.

The Toffees took the lead towards the end of the first half as Aaron Lennon provided a cool finish following James McCarthy's cross.

However, Swansea secured themselves a point with 20 minutes left thanks to a Jonjo Shelvey penalty after Seamus Coleman had handled in the area.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two sides at the Liberty Stadium.

Match statistics

Swansea Shots: 11 On target: 3 Possession: 51% Corners: 3 Fouls: 18

Everton Shots: 12 On target: 8 Possession: 49% Corners: 6 Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

On the balance of things, both sides deserved to come away from the game with something. There was little to separate them over the course of the 90 minutes, so a point apiece was a fair outcome.

Swansea's performance

The hosts were bright during the first half, but their cause was not helped by the withdrawal of Bafetimbi Gomis just 16 minutes into the encounter. While Marvin Emnes worked hard as a replacement, they missed the Frenchman's raw power in the final third. After Gomis went off injured, the Swans lacked much in the way of danger up front. Elsewhere, Garry Monk's side were their usual disciplined selves in defence, though they sometimes struggled to go toe to toe with Everton in midfield. However, Monk should be pleased by how his team fought back against an organised Everton side. The Welsh outfit have enjoyed an impressive season so far and this display suggested that they are not running out of steam just yet.

Everton's performance

The Toffees struggled to get going early on, but they soon grew into the game. There were solid performances in defence and midfield as they dominated large spells of the match with their high-tempo play, but the most disappointing aspect for Roberto Martinez will be his team's decision-making in the final third. Everton had plenty of chances to extend their lead and win the match in the second half, only for some poor passing to let them down when it counted. That said, this was mostly a positive, hard-working display from the Merseysiders. They may be disappointed to have seen their three-game winning run come to an end, but there was plenty here to give them confidence as they search for a top-half finish.

Sports Mole's man of the match

James McCarthy: The Everton midfielder worked hard at both ends of the pitch throughout the game. His positioning and tackling were important when his side were on the back foot, while he also got involved higher up the pitch on plenty of occasions. His biggest contribution came at the end of the first half when his cross from the left led to Aaron Lennon's goal.

Biggest gaffe

Seamus Coleman may feel that he was bundled over by Marvin Emnes in the build-up to Swansea's penalty, but the defender's decision to handle after that was baffling. With referee Michael Oliver just a few yards away, the Irishman would have been stupid to have thought that he could have got away with it.

Referee performance

Michael Oliver was solid during what was an otherwise physical game at the Liberty Stadium. The official was not afraid to brandish his yellow card, while he also did well to diffuse a couple of situations that could have easily boiled over. His biggest decision came with Swansea's penalty, which he got right despite some suggestions that Seamus Coleman was fouled by Marvin Emnes in the build-up.

What next?

Swansea: The Swans continue their Premier League campaign on April 18 when they make the trip to struggling Leicester City.

Everton: The Toffees are back in Premier League action on April 18 at home to relegation-threatened Burnley.