West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Everton

West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Everton

(Lukaku 2, Mirallas 66)

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Finally a first win and clean sheet of the season, and to be honest, it was fairly routine. Got off to a perfect start when Lukaku scored his first goal since signing permanently, and unsurprisingly against his former club. Jonas Olsson's clearance went straight to Lukaku, who took a touch and curled it into the top corner. The rest of the first half was a bit bitty really, both sides had one or two half chances, but it was mainly a midfield rumble, with us mostly dominating possession, but not really threatening enough with it, long range shots from Lukaku and Mirallas the closest we came. Second half was much brighter, were a bit more clinical with our possession, made a few chances and Foster had to make a few saves, McGeady having a good shot, while Naismith should have scored with the goal gaping after Foster parried a shot from Lukaku. Foster had to take the blame for the second goal though, allowing a pretty routine shot from Mirallas to squirm under him to give us the cushion we always needed given the way we've defended this season. Stones made a huge difference at the back though, as we looked much more secure all day, even Jagielka who has been so poor this season had a good game today, including one pretty much goal saving challenge in the second half. Osman came on for Lukaku once we had our lead extended, and to be honest, we got better. Osman was unlucky not to to score twice, first having a drilled shot saved after a brilliant move, and one that deflected up and over that Foster did well to tip over. Tim Howard played his part too to keep the clean sheet with a great double save at the death.

Great win, big one for our confidence all round, with Lukaku getting off the mark and stopping the rot defensively too. Europe next with Wolfsburg at Goodison on Thursday night.

Everton Man of the Match

Gareth Barry was outstanding. Dominated the midfield when the game was a bit rough first half, but was starting a lot of our attacks as well. At his best today.