While Nottingham Forest completed 245 passes in the final third, Everton managed just 54.
The hosts attempted 52 crosses but were repelled by the imperious James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien, who protected Jordan Pickford until a couple of nervy moments in injury time.
Through-balls attempted and completed by Everton equalled two, while it was zero for Forest.
The only stat which counted, though, was the scoreline and James Garner and Theirno Barry’s goals lifted the Toffees within touching distance of the top four.
The Champions League may seem fanciful, but why should a challenge for the Europa League or Conference League be beyond Everton?
One or two teams will find the consistency in the second half of the season to pull away in a congested table – Everton are just three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in 13th place – and results like this will only aid the Toffees’ chances.