Everton beats lackluster QPR 2-0 in EPL

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton pushed a lackluster Queens Park Rangers ever closer to relegation Saturday with a 2-0 win in the Premier League that kept David Moyes' side in touch with the Champions League places.

A deflected strike from Darron Gibson in the 40th minute and a smart finish from Victor Anichebe in the 56th secured a routine victory for the hosts, as QPR failed to show the attitude and endeavor it will need to find a way to stay up. Harry Redknapp's team is seven points from safety with just five games remaining.

Everton also struggled to create chances until Gibson's long-range strike took a significant deflection off Clint Hill to leave goalkeeper Julio Cesar helpless.

If Redknapp expected a response from his players after the break he would have been disappointed as it was Everton which came out more determined, and Anichebe neatly hooked home a close-range shot to double the lead.

Everton is in sixth place, three points outside the Champions League spots.