Roberto Martinez returned to his former club with intentions of grabbing 4th place by the end of the night, and succeeding at the end of an enthralling 1-2 victory over 11th placed Swansea
In a pulsating end to end match, both Swansea and Everton were intent from the off, but it was Ross Barkley's late winner that secured the points for the Toffees.
Within five minutes, Swansea were attacking Everton's defense with real menace and purpose, however, without scoring, they let Everton back in the game, allowing them to settle and relax in possesion.
After an exciting 15 minutes of play, the game slowed down, drawing to the end of a tedious first half at 0-0
Straight from the wistle, both teams were playing with real ambition, with each player looking to make that crucial pass or decisive run to put their team ahead, yet there was no end result until the Irish right back, Seamus Coleman, unleashed a rocket of a shot from 25 yards out, curling past the Swansea keeper, Gerhard Tremmel after 65 minutes
More chances were created, mainly by Swansea, with the biggest falling to Pablo Hernandez who could not convert from 10 yards out
Eventually, Swansea got a slice of luck, as Ben Davies whipped the ball into the path of Dwight Tiendalli who sliced the ball into the side of Bryan Oviedo, resulting in an own goal
Everton got straight back underway, looking the more threatening team on the break, with chances squadered by the likes of Gareth Barry, missing the target from six yards out on a couple of occasions
James McCarthy's piercing run through the Swansea defense led to a costless kick being conceded by Ben Davies on the edge of the eighteen yard box
Without the fimiliar face of Leighton Baines stepping over the ball, it was an opportunity for either The young Ross Barkley or Romelu Lukaku; with Barkley coming out on top, he struck the costless kick with vigor, striking the underside of the crossbar, giving Everton the lead once more with only 6 minutes remaining
Swansea piled on the pressure, forcing Everton to give away several corners, only to be cleared by Everton's defence
With the board declaring 3 minutes of stoppage time would be played, Swansea did not give up hope, testing Tim Howard's reactions on numerous occasions, with the best falling to Pablo Hernandez again, only to be palmed away by the American international
Barclays man of the match: Ross Barkley for his "Magnificent costless kick and tenacity throughout the game"
