Everton up to ninth with easy win over Palace

After a committed but low-quality first half ended goalless, Everton struck twice within six minutes after the break as Sigurdsson beat Wayne Hennessey with a deflected shot before Niasse’s header doubled the advantage.

Midfielder Davies all but sealed the victory with a low finish in the 75th minute against a Palace side who showed little threat until Luka Milivojevic converted a late penalty after Ashley Williams handled the ball.

Everton leapfrogged Bournemouth to climb to ninth on 34 points from 27 games and are within two points of out-of-form Burnley in seventh. Palace are 14th with 27 points.

“We have to look at our home record and that is where the mainstay of our season lies,” Everton manager Sam Allardyce told the BBC.

“In the eight home games I have been here, we have picked up 17 points and conceded just four goals. We are getting it right, entertaining the fans and getting the result.”

Everton’s quest to climb the table has been hindered by their form away from Goodison Park with only the bottom three of Stoke City, West Bromwich Abion and Huddersfield Town possessing a worse record.

“The unfortunate away form is causing us the problems,” Allardyce added. Goodison Park has always been a strong place to play, the supporters get behind you.

Away from home it has been a longstanding problem. It is something we have to try and turn around. Now we can relax and enjoy the result. We got 3-0 up and the pressure was off. Even when they scored their penalty, we were not under too much pressure.

“The Everton fans will wake up and be happy to see where we are, only two points off seventh.”