Osman hails team effort

Everton match-winner Leon Osman said Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Swansea was a superb team effort from his side.

The 30-year-old headed in from a Royston Drenthe corner to secure all three points for David Moyes’ side, lifting them to 11th on the Premier League table.

The midfielder, however, refused to accept any personal plaudits, insisting the result was the only thing which mattered.

“It was a corner and I managed to put it in the back of the net – but it did not matter who scored, it was about the result,” Osman told the club’s official website.

“I thought it was a good team performance and I wouldn’t single out anyone. We kept a clean sheet, created plenty of chances and got the win.”

“We have not scored many goals this season but one is enough when you keep a clean sheet and thankfully we managed that.”

Osman is hoping the Toffees can build on the victory over Brendan Rodger’s men during the Christmas period, but is aware that his team face a difficult trip to the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day to face a resurgent Sunderland.

“There are no easy games in the Premier League – especially when you are away on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – but we will go into those games with confidence now and hopefully pick up some more points,” he said.

“It is always important to build on a win and go out and get another result in the next game and we will go to Sunderland and try and kick on.”

Real Madrid loanee Drenthe was lively once again, and Osman has hailed the impact the Dutchman has made since his arrival from the Bernabeu.

Osman said: “Royston has made quite an impact. He is a player who can pick up the ball and run at people with pace and tricks and that is important in any league, but particularly the Premier League.”