Everton heads for Champions League place with Wigan win

They overtake Liverpool, who play Aston Villa at Anfield tomorrow night, and now sit on 42 points. Manchester City moved into fifth place just behind Everton on 40 points with a 1-1 draw against West Ham Utd.

 Wigan placed Everton under concerted pressure at the JJB Stadium throughout the first half but were stunned when their opponents struck twice within three minutes just before half-time.

 Wigan defender Titus Bramble made yet another of the defensive mistakes for which he has become famous as his scuffed back-pass was latched onto by striker Andrew Johnson, who calmly finished through the legs of goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

 Just over two minutes later Everton were two ahead. Joleon Lescott poked the ball in from close range for his seventh goal of the season after Wigan had failed to clear a corner.

 Early in the second half, Wigan were given hope after a Phil Jagielka own goal, but Everton held on to record their third straight league win.

 In the day's second match, Manchester City failed to overcome West Ham Utd in the third meeting between the two teams in the last 15 days.

 Despite being second best in their recent meetings, it was West Ham who will have felt they merited the win. The away side took the lead early in the first period with a superb overhead kick from striker Carlton Cole from a Freddie Ljunberg cross.

 But Manchester City, who remain unbeaten at home this season, equalised just a few minutes later as Darius Vassell scored from five yards out after poor West Ham defending.

 Hammers boss Alan Curbishley was furious that the goal was allowed to stand as TV replays suggested that Vassell had been offside in the build-up to the goal.

 City were unable to create too many chances throughout the match and the best chances fell to West Ham. With ten minutes remaining, City goalkeeper Joe Hart denied Mark Noble as the away side sought the victory their performance deserved.

By Ben James, dpa