EVERTON 4 Jo 26, 51 Fellaini, 48 Osman 61 WIGAN ATHLETIC 0
Report by Paul Chialton
A game in which Latics were simply outplayed by their opponents and, try as they might, never really looked like scoring.
What was a fairly evenly-matched encounter in the first-half, turned into a one-sided affair in the second period, with Everton scoring not long after the re-start and going on to succumb Wigan to their heaviest away defeat of the season.
This was always going to be an extremely hard place to come and get a result for Steve Bruce, and although his side started well he may be disappointed in the slight loss of shape and organisation they suffered as Everton increased their lead.
There were one or two chances that could have led to a different outcome, during Wigan's best spell in the first period.
Mido's 30-yard volley early on was struck sweet and firm but straight at the keeper.
Paul Scharner also came close shortly after meeting Antonio Valencia's cross to the back post but guiding his header just over.
But it was Everton's on loan striker Jo who opened the scoring after 25 minutes, gaining control inside the area and firing across Chris Kirkland to put the home side in front.
Everton never looked back after that and no sooner had the second half stated that Marouane Fellaini doubled their lead. Jo went on to claim his second goal and Leon Osman made the rout complete on the hour mark.
A result that will put thoughts of European qualification to one side for the time being, but one that has to bring them together as they prepare for another tough game against Arsenal next weekend.
Latics: Kirland; Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa; Valencia (de Ridder, 69) Watson, Brown (Rodallega, 46), N'Zogbia; Scharner; Mido Subs: Kingson, Edman, Koumas, Sibierski, Kapo Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines; Osman, Neville, Fellaini (Saha, 69) Pienaar (Gosling, 69); Cahill (Rodwell 66); Jo Subs: Nash, van der Meyde, Castillo, Jacobsen
