Swansea defender Neil Taylor pinpointed Marouane Fellaini as the architect of Everton's 3-0 win.
Fellaini's presence is a big problem for opponents, says Taylor
Swansea defender Neil Taylor highlighted the threat posed by Marouane Fellaini after seeing the giant Belgian help Everton post an emphatic 3-0 victory at the Liberty Stadium.
Taylor is currently sidelined with a broken ankle suffered on the opening day of the season - and the Toffees' routine win made uncomfortable viewing from the
Sky Sports box.
The Wales international said of Fellaini, who assisted the first and scored the last: "I think his aerial threat is massive in this league. We saw it straight away when they beat Manchester United and he showed it again today from two set-pieces. He's started the season really well.
"He played central midfield against us last season and did a similar thing but when he's playing up there he's a real problem for centre-halves. They can get a lot of runners off him and obviously set-pieces will be a big thing for them too.
"The delivery from Leighton Baines for the third goal is brilliant and it's difficult for Ashley Williams because Fellaini was like that all day. Getting Steven Pienaar back was massive for Everton. They pose such a threat down the wings and it's looking good for them."
Controversy
Replays of the Everton opener - scored by Victor Anichebe - suggested Fellaini may have handled the ball, but Taylor continued: "I look at the reaction of the players of the pitch at the time and it seems Alan Tate is appealing for offside rather than handball. He was brave to go for it and it was hard for the referee to see it.
"For the second goal, the pass inside the full-back is the one that can hurt you the most. We haven't recovered quick enough and we should've been looking to get back to our box and stop that."
Substitute Nathan Dyer was dismissed during a crucial period in the game for two bookable offences, but Taylor was quick to heap praise on Everton rather than point the finger at the officials.
He said: "So far, I think that although they won't want to get ahead of themselves, Everton will be really encouraged by the start they've made. If they can keep players fit throughout the season, then they've got a great chance of getting into Europe."
Lethargic
The hosts were chasing the game from the first whistle as Everton hustled and bustled them out of possession, and Taylor believes the tardy start put paid to Swansea's hopes in the game.
He said: "We didn't start at a high enough tempo. We weren't up and at it like Everton were. If we'd have matched them in that area then the football would have taken care of itself but we didn't manage to do that today.
"We started the second half really well but with the sending off I thought the game was finished from that point.
"Like I said, at the end of the first half and the start of the second half we had chances and if we'd have scored then it would've been a different ball game but I think Everton definitely deserved their win today.
"We'll be disappointed but the sending off killed the game and we have to put the game to one side now and move on.
"Nathan Dyer will be disappointed. With the first one, he obviously feels like he got the ball and dissent has got him a caution. The second one, he's just trying to inject a bit of enthusiasm into our play and win us the ball back.
"He was just trying to get his body around it and shield it but it looks quite bad. He's unfortunate but I think from then onwards he knows he's going to be sent off and that we're down to 10 men."
