Source: PA
Beckford sinks Sunderland
Jermaine Beckford struck both goals in a 2-0 win as Sunderland suffered yet more misery at Everton.
Everton claimed the lead when Leon Osman found space on the edge of the box and looked to have slipped Louis Saha in but the Frenchman allowed Beckford to sneak through and fire in a shot which Titus Bramble diverted in.
Sunderland were denied an equaliser as Tim Howard produced a brilliant save to turn a fierce drive onto the crossbar but Everton doubled their advantage six minutes before the break after Mikel Arteta beat Anton Ferdinand and John Mensah to pull back for Beckford in front of goal. The striker scuffed his left-foot shot but the ball still had enough power to creep in.
The only downside for Everton was the loss of Marouane Fellaini with an ankle injury. Jack Rodwell took his place but it mattered little as they claimed a comfortable three points.
Everton could even have had a third soon after the restart when Saha flicked a Phil Neville throw into the danger area but Osman shot wide on the half-volley.
Osman should have also scored in injury time when he took the ball round Mignolet but Ahmed Elmohamady headed off the line.
