Everton were poor throughout, Romelu Lukaku going closest when he blazed into the side-netting after a powerful run. At the other end, Stekelenburg produced a fine stop to deny substitute Leroy Fer from making it 2-0 for Swansea, who are unbeaten in three league games. For the Swans, a passionate fanbase turned into a delirious one before a ball was even kicked in south Wales, after Sunderland's victory over Hull. That lifted a boisterous Liberty Stadium, but it took almost half an hour before Swansea created a big opportunity in a cagey contest. When they did, they took it expertly, Llorente heading home from close range after Ayew's twisting run and deflected cross fell perfectly. Holgate then produced an outstanding challenge to deny Mawson, with a Jagielka block also denying Martin Olsson's effort from an acute angle.
Swansea continued to carve out the better chances, Ayew's volley with the outside of his foot hitting the post, and it was not until the 66th minute that Lukasz Fabianski was seriously tested by Lukaku's 20-yard shot. The hosts spurned further chances through Llorente and Fer. It might have cost Swansea at the death when their former skipper Ashley Williams was inches away from heading home, but he couldn't quite convert from Kevin Mirallas' flick-on. Everton stay seventh, two points behind sixth-placed Arsenal but having played three games more than the Gunners. The Toffees have the feel of a club already building for next term.
Ross Barkley, whose future in unclear as his contract runs down, was dropped by Ronald Koeman as was loanee Enner Valencia. Barkley's introduction at half-time was evidence that Everton had lacked panache in the final third, with Fabianski entirely untroubled before the break. Everton had won eight of their past 11 visits to Swansea, but not even returning Wales captain Williams - whose every touch was jeered by a section of the home fans - could inspire the visitors.
