Everton triumphed at home for only the third time this season with a 1-0 win over Swansea City. The fact that both teams are amongst the lowest scorers in the top flight this campaign was plain for all to see in a poor encounter which was long on effort but short on class.
The game panned out just as expected with toothless Everton having the bulk of possession but lacking a cutting edge, whilst the South Wales visitor's defended in depth.
The only goal of the game arrived on the hour as Leon Osman scored for the second successive game.
The Swans failed to mark tightly from Royston Drenthe's corner and the unmarked Osman headed the Toffees to a deserved three points.
Swansea posed little threat with a Danny Graham header being their only chance of note, and they continue to have the worst away record in the top flight.
For Everton it was their first clean sheet in all competitions at home this season.
Referee: Kevin Friend
Venue: Goodison Park
Attendance: 32,004
Everton scorers: Osman 60 Swansea scorers:
TRIBAL ASKS: Two teams who are destined to finish in the lower reaches of the Premiership on this display
Yellow cards: Gueye (EVE), Williams (SWA), Routledge (SWA)
