Two late goals gave Everton their first win in 10 games as they ended Aston Villa’s five-game unbeaten streak.

Tomasz Radzinski came off the bench to head Everton ahead on 78 minutes after Wayne Rooney’s right-wing cross.

And six minutes later, Thomas Gravesen forced his way into the box from the right before rifling in a right-foot shot to seal the win.

Darius Vassell came closest for Villa, only to see Nigel Martyn to brilliantly save his left-foot volley.

In fact, Villa had probably created the better chances in a game short on quality - until Radzinski’s 66th-minute introduction changed the shape of the game.

The first-half was particularly poor, although the visitors began brightly with Barry shooting over after a weak punch from Martyn.
The Everton goalkeeper then redeemed himself with a low save from Lee Hendrie.

Rooney was Everton’s most lively first-half threat, and his typically fiery play helped Everton drag themselves back into the game.

Substitute David Unsworth, on for the injured Alessandro Pistone, produced a good cross which Duncan Ferguson chested down before blasting over the top.

Ferguson also curled a free-kick narrowly over after Rooney was fouled by Johnsen.

Villa’s Barry missed a header in space inside the box, while Ferguson was guilty of missing a similar chance for Everton after a
pinpoint cross by Gravesen.

The visitors should have grabbed a first-half lead as Lee Hendrie touched Nolberto Solano’s cross on to Vassell - but the England man scuffed his shot and Martyn saved with his feet.

And the goalkeeper came to Everton’s rescue again just after half-time, brilliantly tipping over Vassell’s strike from eight yards.
Steve Watson headed over for Everton, but the lack of composure up front was clear for both teams.

Villa’s Thomas Hitzlsperger demonstrated the lack of striking finesse on 53 minutes as he blazed wildly off target when well-placed.

Ferguson was wasteful again just after the hour, heading tamely goalwards in the six-yard box and allowing Sorensen to save
when he should never have had the chance.

Villa responded, and Hitzlsperger fired a fine long-range effort inches wide before Vassell forced another save from Martyn with a 20-yard drive.

David Moyes introduced Radzinski for Steve Watson with 24 minutes left, and the Canadian’s fresh impetus soon reaped dividends for Everton.

On 78 minutes, he headed home Rooney’s cross to the delight - and relief - of the Goodison faithful.

Villa’s spirit drained away, and it was no surprise as Everton doubled their lead, Gravesen’s rifled right foot shot sealing a vital win.