To escape the relegation zone and put their rivals in danger, Everton rightly defeated fellow Premier League underdog Leeds in a decisive victory.
Illan Meslier, the goalkeeper, made a mistake by failing to cover his front post, which allowed Seamus Coleman to score the game-winning goal in the second half.
Everton improved to 16th place with their second victory in three games under new manager Sean Dyche, while Leeds fell to 19th and are still winless under interim manager Michael Skubala.
At Goodison Field, Everton posed the greater threat in the opening period, as Meslier deflected James Tarkowski’s thunderous header.
In the second half, Neal Maupay’s twist and shot and Vitaliy Mykolenko’s attempt were both straight at Meslier, but Coleman’s winning goal now gives Everton genuine hope of surviving.
Leeds could not manage a shot on goal. Their greatest chances came in the first period when Crysensio Summerville shot over and Patrick Bamford shot wide from the edge of the box.
