Game in a sentence

A top flight performance from Everton in every facet of the game as Moyes’ boys continue to impress with their brand of highly skilled, attacking football.

Observations

• Both teams have signaled their intent early into this season’s campaign. For Everton a top six finish is certainly possible while the Swans have displayed the talent needed for the top ten. However, on this day the visitors were the better side for the majority of the match.
• Everton dominated Swansea on the left side of the pitch – playing through Baines and Pienaar – much like they did in their last meeting at Liberty Stadium. Ashley Cole finally has legitimate competition for best English left back as Baines continues to impress.
• Victor Anichebe’s goal in the 21st minute was the product of a Fellaini ‘arm ball’ that somehow went undetected in what was a lucky break for The Toffees. Though the circumstances surrounding the goal were sketchy, Everton deserved the lead. Ashley Williams and Alan Tate – who was victimized by Anichebe all game- left their goalkeeper in an awful position.
• It was a disastrous opening 30 minutes for Swansea, but Michael Laudrup’s side showed signs of life towards the latter stages of the half. Ki Sung-Yueng’s versatility will be key for the Swans going forward. The South Korean International played deep, holding and attacking midfield while also filling in at the back. Michu also showed flashes, just missing off of a Jonathan De Guzman corner kick in the 32nd minute.
• The positive play was short lived. Kevin Miralles – another player from the seemingly endless line of high quality Belgian talent – added his first Premier League goal two minutes before half.  Fellaini and Pienaar combined for some superb passing to put Miralles in alone on Michel Vorm.
• Nathan Dyer replaced Pablo Hernandez in the 46th minute and proceeded to have the worst 12 minutes of any EPL player this season. After drawing a caution for dissent, Dyer was sent off for a terrible challenge on Baines. Shirt over eyes, hands on head – hard to feel sorry for someone who effectively torpedoed his team’s chances of salvaging a point.
• Tim Howard was fantastic. Though Everton controlled play for the most part, The Toffees were repeatedly exposed at the back. Angel Rangel had what seemed like twenty legitimate chances at goal but could not convert. Ki was also thwarted by an excellent save from the American keeper in the 53rd minute.
• If you’re a neutral  looking for a club to support, look no further than Everton. An excellent manager paired with a young, highly skilled core of players along with the underdog spirit we all relish – EFC is your team.
• Fellaini added a third to seal the game – adding to a transfer fee that grows by the day. The final scoreline was kind to Swansea, this could’ve easily been a 6-0 game. Irish journalist Miguel Delaney joked Laudrup’s honeymoon was over on twitter and it doesn’t get easier next week, with the Swans traveling to Britannia stadium

Three Stars

1. Marouane Fellaini

2. Leighton Baines

3. Tim Howard