Everton held off a spirited Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road to record a 2-1 win and ease their concerns over Premier League relegation, thanks to Aaron Lennon's first goal for Roberto Martinez's side.
Everton took the lead when right-back Seamus Coleman put the ball in the net with a clinical finish on the counter attack in the first half. But, QPR equalised when substitute Eduardo Vargas profited from some lax Everton defending at a corner to fire home.
Winger Lennon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, struck the winner for the visitors when he slotted in from close range in the 77th minute of the game, the BBC reported.
The result moved Everton nine points clear of the drop zone and up to 13th place, while QPR are four points adrift of safety in the 19th spot. Following a spectacular European thumping at the hands of Dynamo Kiev last week, Everton have just top-flight survival to focus on in the remainder of the campaign.
QPR boss Chris Ramsey said that it is very disappointing to lose, adding that he is hoping that it can be showed how well the boys played and fought for the club. He insisted that how they have not come away with three points is unbelievable.
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Ramsey claimed that fortunately for them the other clubs around QPR haven't won and it keeps them within touching distance, insisting that they need to keep playing like that until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Everton manager Roberto Martinez said that that was an outstanding performance in terms of greed and the personality they needed to adapt to that type of game. He insisted that QPR have been unfortunate at home this season, have created chances and pointed out that the result could have gone either way.
Martinez claimed that his side defended very well and scored two outstanding goals.
