EVERTON maintained their unbeaten home record with goals from Mikel Arteta and James Beattie giving them victory over a 10-man Sheffield United.

Early pressure saw Everton surge ahead in the 13th minute. Davies' determined run across midfield ended with a ball out to Phil Neville, who fired over a cross despite being fouled by Leigh Bromby. Referee Dermot Gallagher played a good advantage which saw Mikel Arteta heading home from close range.

On 33 minutes Davies and Arteta combined to send Johnson racing away with United defenderClaude Davis in pursuit. The England forward went crashing in the box, although TV replays suggested only minimal contact.

But it was enough for referee Gallagher to instantly point to the spot and wave a red card at Davis. Beattie stepped up to blast the spotkick home.

United plugged away for the rest of the game, going close through Leigterwood, but failed to add to their paltry record of just four goals in nine Premiership games as Johnson went on to hit the post for the home side.