Everton have extended their unbeaten run in the league to seven games courtesy of a 2-1 win over struggling Wigan Athletic, who have now gone six matches without a win.
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Neither side could create a clear-cut chance in the first half, with Victor Anichebe coming closest for the visitors.
The 24-year-old was teed up by Nikica Jelavic in the very first minute, but his shot was too high.
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Anichebe had another chance in the 18th minute when Leighton Baines found him with a cross, but the striker glanced his header just wide.
The Toffees came within inches of breaking the deadlock just two minutes after the restart as Thomas Hitzlsperger let fly from 30 yards out, only to see his trademark effort cannon back off the crossbar.
They did take the lead less than five minutes later, however, as Leon Osman fired in a shot that deflected off James McCarthy's hand and past Ali Al-Habsi.
This lead was doubled with just over 15 minutes left as Phil Neville whipped in a cross that Phil Jagielka rose highest to win, powering a header past Al-Habsi.
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The Latics grabbed a goal back in the 81st minute when Arouna Kone reacted quickest to a deflected Franco Di Santo strike to bundle the ball home.
They couldn't grab a dramatic late equaliser, however, as Everton held out to claim all three points.
Barney Corkhill
