Everton moved into fourth place in the Premier League on Sunday with a scrappy 2-1 victory at lowly Wigan Athletic.
First-half goals from Andy Johnson and Joleon Lescott gave Everton a comfortable halftime lead before an own goal from defender Phil Jagielka gave Wigan a lifeline in the second half.
Manchester City climbed the table to fifth although they were below-par in a 1-1 draw with West Ham United that maintained their unbeaten league record at home this season.
Carlton Cole's acrobatic overhead kick gave West Ham an early lead but Darius Vassell equalised before halftime.
Everton moved to 42 points, three above city rivals Liverpool who drop to sixth albeit having played two games fewer and face Aston Villa on Monday. City have 40 points.
