Coleman earns Everton precious win over fellow strugglers Leeds

Everton defender Seamus Coleman's goal from the tightest of angles secured a precious 1-0 victory over fellow Premier League strugglers Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday and moved the Merseyside club out of the relegation zone.

The decisive moment came after 64 minutes when Alex Iwobi sent Coleman clear down the flank and, with Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier expecting a cross, the right-back arrowed his shot into the net from virtually the byline.

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It was a deserved win for Everton who created numerous opportunities but, as has been the case for much of the season, the league's lowest scorers' lack of quality in the attacking third meant too many shots, passes and crosses went astray.

"I suppose everyone was expecting the cross but the way my hip was feeling I couldn't wrap my leg around it so I just thought I'd have a shot because I knew he'd (Meslier) be anticipating the cross," Coleman said.

"Thankfully I caught it well, I wouldn't catch it like that if I tried again another 10 times. We got what we deserved to be honest.

"We didn't go away from what we have been working from since the manager (Sean Dyche) came in and thankfully we got the win."

Everton moved up to 16th place with 21 points from 23 games, a point above the drop zone, having taken six points from three games under Dyche. Leeds slipped into the relegation zone with 19 points.

Leeds, who failed to get a shot on target in the 90 minutes, have now matched their club record of 10 Premier League games without a win and the result may hasten their search for a new permanent manager with Michael Skubala in temporary charge following the sacking of Jesse Marsch a fortnight ago.

Everton might also have had a couple of goals in the first half as Amadou Onana fired two shots wide from good positions, and Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie cleared off the line twice in a matter of seconds.

Leeds could not turn later pressure into a point as Everton held on grimly to the raucous delight, and relief, of the home crowd.

"Obviously we're massively disappointed," Leeds right-back Rasmus Kristensen said. "We were right in it and we talked about how it would be a scruffy game.

"What happened on the goal happened, but we are disappointed. We came here for three points and we leave with zero, that's the reality.

"We need to look forward, stay positive, keep our heads high and turn these things around."