Phil Jagielka's first-half header ensured that Everton claimed their third Premier League win in a row with a 1-0 victory over Southampton at Goodison Park this afternoon.
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Everton almost profited from a chance in the opening few minutes when Leon Osman found space on the edge of the area, but his long-range effort was bent just wide of the Southampton post.
Ronald Koeman's men could have gone in front with their first chance of the match when Graziano Pelle caught hold of Shane Long's cross, only to see his effort tipped onto the frame of the Everton goal by Tim Howard.
The Toffees moved into the lead after 16 minutes when Southampton failed to clear Gareth Barry's corner, which allowed centre-back Jagielka to steal in and head the home side in front.
Seamus Coleman appeared enterprising down the flank and he turned in a decent ball for lone striker Arouna Kone, who could only guide his header wide of the right post as Everton pushed for a second.
Howard was left concerned in the 25th minute as Southampton's James Ward-Prowse curled in a free kick that somehow just avoided the target with the keeper left stranded.
Jagielka might have doubled his side's lead before the end of the half, but he managed to head over the bar from a few yards out after Leighton Baines had produced an enterprising corner.
In a game of very few chances, the visitors were wasteful in the second half when Long shot wide to Howard's right from Dusan Tadic's corner with just under 30 minutes left to play.
Pelle's struggles in front of goal continued as the game headed towards its climax, with the Italian frontman shooting wide despite some clever work from Tadic.
Koeman's men continued to push for an equaliser in the closing stages, Nathaniel Clyne turning in a good ball for Jose Fonte who shot straight over the crossbar, before Pelle came close again from what turned out to be an offside position.
The away side continued to mount increasing pressure on Roberto Martinez's side, but the hosts held firm to close out an important victory.
Christopher Dodd
