A double from Leighton Baines sees Everton leading 2-0 against West Bromwich Albion at half time.
© PA Photos
It was a cagey opening 10 minutes at Goodison Park, but it was the hosts who dominated possession.
Kevin Mirallas and Victor Anichebe both had efforts at goal, while Marouane Fellaini saw his shot come crashing off the crossbar.
The Blues' pressure finally told in the 30th minute, with Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines combining to good effect before the England international struck beyond Ben Foster from 20 yards out.
David Moyes's men were thoroughly in control of proceedings when the visitors were given further cause for worry in the dressing room, as midfielder George Thorne had to be stretchered off.
The 20-year-old immediately signalled to the bench after his studs had caught in the turf as he shifted his weight.
His replacement Claudio Yacob then gave away a penalty with almost his first action of the game, tripping up Anichebe.
Baines stepped up and sent Foster the wrong way to give his side a two-goal cushion at the break.
Michael Penkman
