Goals from Mikel Arteta, Joseph Yobo and Gary Naysmith gave Everton a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park today to secure all three points in their crucial 'UEFA Cup decider' against Portsmouth.
Everton had to wait until the 58th minute to take the lead, which came courtesy of a Mikel Arteta penalty. Portsmouth's Glen Johnson brought down youngster James Vaughan in the penalty area and referee Howard Webb didn't hesitate in pointing to the spot and a calm Arteta didn't hesitate in smashing the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Minutes later, Everton doubled their advantage when Joseph Yobo climbed above Portsmouth's statuesque defence to header home a Manuel Fernandes corner in the 61st minute to send Goodison wild.
In stoppage time, Everton made it 3-0 when unlikely goal scorer Garry Naysmith found the back of the net, again coming from a corner. James Beattie flicked on a header at the near post which found Gary Naysmith at the back post to head home.
With UEFA Cup rivals Bolton losing 3-1 to West Ham and Reading losing 2-0 at Watford, the win sees Everton rise one place above Bolton to 5th in the Premiership with European qualification all but assured.
Full match report will be added shortly.
