EVERTON struck a decisive blow as Queens Park Rangers suffered their ninth defeat in their last ten in all competitions.
Chris Ramsey’s men ambled once more towards the abyss as two goals – disappointing in their simplicity made a mockery of Rangers’ shambolic transfer shortcomings.
In attack Rangers appeared dangerous at times, a rejuvenated Matt Phillips showed his capabilities with some tantalising crosses – sadly the conversion was lacking.
Everton had the lead shortly before the 20-minute mark when the ball was stroked around the edge of the area by a combination of Kone, Lennon and Osman before full-back Seamus Coleman rifled home off the upright.
It took the stuffing out of a Rangers side that had looked positive in the early stages. The Toffees contented to try and see the game out from that point onward, rarely conjuring attacks and eking away the seconds on every set-piece – referee Mr Moss ostensibly oblivious.
Rangers looked bright once Eduardo Vargas was introduced from the bench and it was the Chilean who levelled in the second period – his close range shot ricocheted into the roof of the net.
The home side were looking good value for the draw if not all three points – but defensively they were left to count the cost of more indecision, ill-discipline and lack of concentration.
Coleman once again key tormentor as he cross was not cleared convincingly and Aaron Lennon tucked home with breathtaking ease. A performance that promised much but chasing celebrity striker shadows in January continues to haunt an easy to beat QPR side.
The poorest Everton side in a decade somehow trot away from W12 with three points – while Rangers missed a key opportunity on a weekend of slip ups and now looking ominously around as another game is chalked off.
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