Top-scorer Joleon Lescott coolly headed his fourth goal of the season to put the home side ahead after Boro failed to clear Mikel Arteta's vicious corner.

And Steven Pienaar steered in the second from Arteta's pass to seal the win after a sweeping Everton move.

But Boro will rue a first-half display which saw George Boateng, Gary O'Neil and Dong-Gook Kee waste great chances.

that's as good as everton can play which should see them vying for a place in europe next season. wonder how they will fare against the top four. don't see them getting much out of those games