Osman strike sinks Swans
The Swans have picked up only three points on their travels and they could not prevent Osman heading in Royston Drenthe’s corner on the hour.
The visitors had only one chance of note but Danny Graham should have made it count rather than heading straight at Tim Howard, while Swans keeper Michel Vorm twice saved well from Everton sub Magaye Gueye.
Ireland’s Seamus Coleman, back in the team after a thigh injury, limped off in the first half to be replaced by Gueye, with Drenthe switching to the right and setting up the first good chance with a whipped cross that was headed just wide by Louis Saha.
Everton should have taken the lead in the 38th minute when Osman played in Leighton Baines down the left and his pull-back fell perfectly for Gueye.
The Frenchman was too deliberate with his shot, though, allowing Vorm to make a good stop, and Gueye’s effort from the rebound was kept out by the arm of Ashley Williams, although it did not look intentional.
The half-time break did Everton no favours and they did not threaten goal again until the 56th minute, when Phil Neville’s quick free-kick found Osman in the box but he could only poke tamely at Vorm.
Four minutes later the Dutchman was beaten, though, with a straightforward goal from a corner. Swansea may feel aggrieved the set-piece was awarded following a driving run into the box from Drenthe, but there was no doubt about the finish, the winger’s delivery planted into the far corner by Osman.
The visitors should have equalised in the 68th minute, Graham making good contact with Wayne Routledge’s cross 10 yards out but heading straight at Howard.
EVERTON: Howard, Jagielka, Baines, Heitinga, Hibbert, Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Coleman (Gueye, 31), Drenthe (Cahill, 81), Saha (Stracqualursi, 75)
SWANSEA: Vorm, Williams, Caulker, Taylor (Rangel, 47), Britton (Lita, 74), Gower (Agustien, 45), Allen, Richards, Routledge, Sinclair, Graham.
Referee: K Friend.
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