Everton 1-0 Swansea - Osman's talent and Steve Kean - Moyes | English Premier League 2011-12
- 10 years ago
Leon Osman's second goal in as many games gave Everton victory over Swansea City and only their third home win of the season.
The midfielder had just wasted a good chance, toe-poking Phil Neville's free-kick at Swansea keeper Michel Vorm, when he headed the hosts in front.
Osman guided Roysten Drenthe's right-wing corner past Vorm to seal their first victory in four games.
Danny Graham's close-range header was Swansea's only chance in a poor game.
But Everton boss David Moyes will not mind how his side secured victory as the Toffees beat a newly promoted side and kept a home clean sheet for the first time this season.
Everton's triumph could have been greater if referee Kevin Friend had awarded a penalty when Ashley Williams's arm blocked a seemingly goal-bound shot from substitute Magaye Gueye in the first half.
But Osman's winner proved decisive in a game between two of the lowest scorers in the top-flight this season as Everton extended their all-time unbeaten record against the Welsh team.
The hosts edged a forgettable first half and, with chances at a premium, Everton pair Johnny Heitinga and Louis Saha both missed the target with headers.
And when the hosts finally found their way through the visiting defence, goalkeeper Vorm, so often Swansea's hero this season, once again did the business.
Gueye, who had replaced the injured Seamus Coleman, hit Leighton Baines' cut-back goalwards.
But the Swans goalkeeper kept out the Everton midfielder with a superb one-handed save before Williams blocked Gueye's rebound.
The second effort hit Wales defender Williams's arm but Everton players did not appeal and no penalty was awarded.
Drenthe, Everton's main goal threat, then went close with a curling 20-yard free-kick at the end of the opening period.
Osman did hit the target early on in the second half but his tame poke from Neville's quickly taken free-kick was easily dealt with by Vorm.
But somehow Everton's little midfielder did find space in the Swansea
The midfielder had just wasted a good chance, toe-poking Phil Neville's free-kick at Swansea keeper Michel Vorm, when he headed the hosts in front.
Osman guided Roysten Drenthe's right-wing corner past Vorm to seal their first victory in four games.
Danny Graham's close-range header was Swansea's only chance in a poor game.
But Everton boss David Moyes will not mind how his side secured victory as the Toffees beat a newly promoted side and kept a home clean sheet for the first time this season.
Everton's triumph could have been greater if referee Kevin Friend had awarded a penalty when Ashley Williams's arm blocked a seemingly goal-bound shot from substitute Magaye Gueye in the first half.
But Osman's winner proved decisive in a game between two of the lowest scorers in the top-flight this season as Everton extended their all-time unbeaten record against the Welsh team.
The hosts edged a forgettable first half and, with chances at a premium, Everton pair Johnny Heitinga and Louis Saha both missed the target with headers.
And when the hosts finally found their way through the visiting defence, goalkeeper Vorm, so often Swansea's hero this season, once again did the business.
Gueye, who had replaced the injured Seamus Coleman, hit Leighton Baines' cut-back goalwards.
But the Swans goalkeeper kept out the Everton midfielder with a superb one-handed save before Williams blocked Gueye's rebound.
The second effort hit Wales defender Williams's arm but Everton players did not appeal and no penalty was awarded.
Drenthe, Everton's main goal threat, then went close with a curling 20-yard free-kick at the end of the opening period.
Osman did hit the target early on in the second half but his tame poke from Neville's quickly taken free-kick was easily dealt with by Vorm.
But somehow Everton's little midfielder did find space in the Swansea