Toffees up to fifth spot after beating Black Cats
The FA Cup finalists are next in action against Tottenham
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Sunday, 03, May 2009 08:57
Everton have climbed into fifth spot after a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Second-half goals from Stephen Pienaar and Marouane Fellaini moves the Toffees above Aston Villa, who play Hull City on Bank Holiday Monday.
The goals sparked the game into life after a scrappy 45 minutes, despite both sides having something to play for.
David Moyes' side had the better of the first half with Tim Cahill's effort beaten away by Marton Fulop while Jo dragged his shot wide.
The Sunderland fans started jeering their own players for their inept display with their only effort of the half coming from Grant Leadbitter, who lashed a shot wide from the edge of the box.
Everton took just two minutes of the second half to go ahead when Pienaar ran onto Jo's through ball and stabbed the ball past Fulop.
That proved to be the catalyst for a more entertaining half with the Black Cats coming close to an immediate equaliser when Danny Collins headed straight at Tim Howard following a corner.
Everton then squandered a glorious chance to increase their lead with Fellaini failed to beat Fulop when sent clear. But the Belgian made amends on 71 minutes when he connected with Pienaar's cross to score his ninth goal of the season.
Ricky Sbragia's side rallied late on with Steed Malbranque's cross tipped over by Howard.
But they failed to grab a consolation and the defeat leaves them four points away from the drop zone.