Everton managed to edge a win against a strong Man City side, via. a Lescott goal, midway through the first half. Throughout the whole match, Man City had the majority of the possession, but Everton managed to defeat City, and move up to 5th in the Premier League table, and are now joint 4th along with Liverpool, Man City and Aston Villa. 

Due to ACON, Everton had to yet again field a much weakened side, with Neville and Carsley starting in the middle of the park, and Victor Anichebe and McFadden upfront. Although Everton had tried to rush through the signing of Manuel Fernandes, the deal, although now completed, was not done in time for kick off, so Everton had to be content with a defensively minded midfield.

Everton also welcomed back Mikel Arteta for this important match, and he proved to be somewhat of a revelation. Arteta put the City defence to the sword many a time, and, as David Moyes commented after the match, he will be a very important player in Everton’s push to break the so called ‘Top Four’. It was in fact, Mikel Arteta that setup the Lescott goal that won Everton the game. Arteta’s corner was cleared, only as far as Phil Neville, who then laid the ball off to Arteta, and Arteta drilled in a low cross allowing Lescott a simple tap-in, giving him his 6th of the season.

A great, hard working performance for Everton gave them the win, in the battle for 4th place, and with a tricky, but must win game away at Wigan next weekend, Everton will be pleased to have got back to winning ways.