Everton beat Sunderland 1-0 to move ahead of Arsenal in the race for a Champions League place.
Wes Brown’s second half own goal was enough for Roberto Martinez’s side to secure fourth place for the weekend and take advantage of Arsenal’s participation in the FA Cup.
The visitors missed a couple of good opening chances inside the first 15 minutes when the normally prolific Steven Naismith and Gerard Deulofeu both saw shots saved by Vito Mannone.
Liverpool loanee, Fabio Borini, almost gave Sunderland the lead on the half hour mark but his effort was denied by a superb challenge from young defender, John Stones.
Adam Johnson would then try his luck but the former Man City winger too was denied by some strong Everton defending.
The game continued to impress with both sides pushing for an opening goal but keepers Mannone and Tim Howard were both as determined as each other to keep a clean sheet.
However, an unfortunate own goal by Wes Brown saw Everton gifted a vital goal in their pursuit for Champions League football.
Johnson once again missed a late chance for the home side as Martinez’s men held on for a superb away win.
