Everton move into top half of PL table post 3-1 win against QPR

Everton moved into the top half of the Premier League table after recording a 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers, with boss Roberto Martinez saying that the win now allows the hosts to move forward and focus on the Southampton game.

England midfielder Ross Barkley's opened the scoring for the hosts with a brilliant first-half strike from 20 yards after starting the attack in his own half. Kevin Mirallas' deflected free-kick doubled Everton's lead before Steven Naismith headed in Aiden McGeady's cross to make it 3-0.

Bobby Zamora's close-range finish, ten minutes before full-time, after Tim Howard's save came too late for QPR, who remain without an away point, The BBC reported.

Zamora's strike was only the third league goal Harry Redknapp's side have scored away from Loftus Road this season and an eighth consecutive defeat on the road means they remain in the bottom three.

Everton had won only two league matches at home before this and the strike eased the tension around Goodison Park.

Despite Mirallas leaving the field on a stretcher after being hurt in a challenge with Mutch, Everton created more chances and substitute Samuel Eto'o hit the post with a low drive in stoppage time.

Everton boss Martinez said that it was a really important win, adding that it was important to bounce back. He claimed that the win now allows them to move forward and focus on the Southampton game.

Martinez said that in front of goal his side was clinical and full of quality, adding that there were pieces of individual magic.

Meanwhile, QPR manager Harry Redknapp said that his side played well, adding that he thought there was really something in the game for his men but added that then there was a great strike by Barkley, although a deflection carried it into the net and then there was another deflection for the free-kick.