Everton produced a strong second-half performance to beat Aston Villa 2-0 this afternoon.

Tim Howard made several saves, including a penalty, during the first 45 minutes before the visitors improved after the break.

Villa were given an excellent chance to take the lead after just seven minutes when Christian Benteke was brought down inside the box by Seamus Coleman.

The Belgian striker took the penalty himself but was denied by Howard.

Howard denied the striker again shortly afterwards, tipping a volley wide before diving at the feet of Andreas Weimann, who had broken Everton's offside trap.

Brad Guzan was then called into action in the Villa goal, reacting well to palm away Romelu Lukaku's powerful header after good work on the right from Coleman.

Benteke and Fabian Delph both went close for Villa after the break, but it was Everton who went in front thanks to their own Belgian forward.

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Lukaku struck into the bottom corner after good work from Leon Osman and Leighton Baines on the left.

Osman then turned from provider to scorer, firing past Guzan after receiving Gareth Barry's pull-back.

There was still time for half-chances courtesy of Baines and substitute Gerard Deulofeu but the game was already safe for Everton.