YOU’D be hard pushed to see Leon Osman in a crowded penalty area, let alone find the Everton FC midfielder's forehead.

But as Swansea’s defenders concerned themselves with Marouane Fellaini, Louis Saha and the like, it was the 5ft 8in Osman who rose highest to head Everton FC to just their third home win of the season, at the expense of their surprisingly negative visitors.

It was the midfielder’s second vital intervention in as many Goodison fixtures, the 30-year old having secured a point for David Moyes’ side against another newly-promoted side, Norwich City, on Saturday.

And just as in that game, Osman’s strike here was just reward for a probing, influential display, one which eventually inspired his side to a deserved, and most welcome, three points.

Moyes made two changes from the side which had so underwhelmed that 1-1 draw with Norwich. Tim Cahill, without a goal in 12 months, was omitted from David Moyes’ starting 11, as was Magaye Gueye, who had failed to shine on his first start of the campaign.

In came Royston Drenthe, whose introduction had helped the Toffees snatch a point at the weekend, and Seamus Coleman, who shook off a thigh injury to start down the right of midfield. James McFadden and Ross Barkley were both named among the substitutes.

The visitors arrived on Merseyside with the Premier League’s worst away record, having picked up just three points – and no victories – in eight games on their travels.

Nonetheless, Brendan Rodgers’ side are forging a reputation for smart, attractive football, and their confidence was clear in the opening stages as, backed by their vociferous travelling support, they quickly showed their willingness to pass the ball short, with Leon Britton conducting their play from deep.

It wouldn’t last. Everton were the more energetic, and fashioned the game’s first half-chance on 11 minutes when Swans goalkeeper Michel Vorm prevented Louis Saha’s adroit pass from reaching the feet of Osman in the box.

That said, for half an hour, it was pretty tepid fare, though the form of Osman and Drenthe offered signs of encouragement for home fans.

The Dutchman, as a substitute, had been the catalyst for Everton’s late rally against Norwich, and here again he looked brighter than most.

His countryman John Heitinga, presumably bored with what was going on in front of him, headed a Tony Hibbert cross over the bar after a bold venture forward from centre-half.