Everton 2-0 Sunderland

Two goals from Jermaine Beckford elevated Everton into the top half of the Premier League with a routine victory over Sunderland.

David Moyes made one change to the side that overcame Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Louis Saha, back from injury, was re-introduced to join Jermaine Beckford in attack… only the second time Saha and Beckford started a Premier League game together.

The visitors gave Everton an early scare inside the first five minutes when Kieran Richardson found himself clear of the Everton defence, only to skew his effort wayward.

Richardson was left to rue his missed opportunity only minutes later when Everton took the lead after Leon Osman intelligently slipped through Beckford who bundled home into the Gwladys Street net. 1-0.

Buoyed by the goal, Everton began to dominate possession but very nearly conceded against the run of play. Stephane Sessegnon´s 20-yard-effort produced a brilliant, finger-tip save from Tim Howard to divert the ball on to the crossbar.

Howards brilliance was quickly rewarded when Beckford scored his second of the game on 39 minutes, bundling home from close range after some majestic work from Arteta down the inside left.

From then on, the game was never in doubt. The only blight coming with injury concerns to both Fellaini and Beckford.

Next up, Reading at Home on Tuesday as the Blues march on to Wembley. COYB!