Roberto Martinez and his Everton side took maximum points from today's match up against West Brom, with Romelu Lukaku netting his first of the season, followed by Belgian compatriot Kevin Mirallas.
The win sees the Mersyside club temporarily move up to 10th in the Premier League, with Manchester United taking on QPR tomorrow, and Hull entertaining West Ham on Monday. West Brom however remain in the bottom 3, with only 3 points for 4 played.
The game was an open one, but a goal coming in the 2nd minute of the game from Everton's record signing, Romelu Lukaku, saw Everton control the opening stages. A counter attack started by the man of the moment, Steven Naismith, found Leighton Baines making a trademark run down the left flank before delivering a low, first time cross to the imposing striker. It didn't look to go his way however, as the ball rolled under his foot, but a poor clearance from Olsson saw that luck change as the ball fell directly at his feet on the edge of the 18 yard box; 1 simple touch took the ball away from his body before he elegantly curled the ball around Ben Foster with his weak foot.
Lukaku looked to have picked up his form that he left behind at the end of last season, putting in a notable performance, justifying the fee Everton paid. However, after 10 minutes in charge, Everton sat back and let the Baggies settle in possession, and craft their own attacks. Unfortunately for the home side, despite controlling possession for the majority of the first half, they couldn't craft any real chances. Corners and Costless Kicks came a-plenty for West Brom, but nothing came of them. 10 minutes before the end of the first half, Everton picked up the tempo again and showed what they're capable of on their day, this time, they couldn't make anything of it.
The visitors went into the break with a 1 goal advantage, and looked to settle the game early in the second half. Quick passing, tiki-taka like style was displayed with Steven Naismith given the costlessdom to roam in the false 9 position. The Scott's efforts and enthusiasm came to nothing however, after he missed an opportunity from 5 yards out after a parried shot fell to his feet.
Belgian fullback, Sebastian Pocognoli seemed to create most of West Brom's chances, with Chris Brunt also looking lively. It was of course another Belgian that changed the game, and he was on the opposition. Kevin Mirallas cut in from the left wing, before firing a rather weak shot at Foster. The ball just seemed to bounce infront of the Englishman, and rolled under his arms. A look of despair covered his face, and summed up the Baggies season thus far. Everton almost extended on their 3 goal lead on several occassions with McGeady and Osman coming the closest, only to be stopped by Foster.
West Brom's hard luck looks to continue too, with their next 3 fixtures being Tottenham (A), Hull (H) and fellow strugglers Burnley (H). Everton will face Wolfsburg (Europa League, H), Crystal Palace (H), and rivals, Liverpool (A).