Everton 0 Swansea City 0:Covetous glances being cast at the Swansea City dugout are nothing new. It is the identity of the onlookers that brings the novelty factor. Michael Laudrup was the most glamorous managerial appointment in the Swans' history and, with City firmly ensconced in the upper half of the Premier League and on the brink of reaching the League Cup final, his fan club has swelled.

When Real Madrid supporters were polled about their preferred successor to Jose Mourinho, the Dane came third, a result he attributed to a mixture of nostalgia and nepotism.

“When somebody talks well about you it is nice, but remember I played there and have a lot of friends there,” said Laudrup, one of the select group to have represented both Real and Barcelona. As it was, the emissary from Madrid to Merseyside came scouting players, and although Vicente del Bosque arrived to watch Michu, he departed with a suggestion for a stopper, should the Spain coach want a similarly hirsute successor to Carles Puyol. “If he saw Chico [Flores] he would be pleased,” Laudrup said. “If he needs someone to play at the back . . .”

Harder to beat

At Goodison Park, Laudrup sacrificed an attacker to play two right-backs, with Angel Rangel in front of Dwight Tiendalli, a gambit to combat Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar. He is making a side who are easy on the eye harder to beat. “We have only lost twice since October,” Laudrup said.

Indeed, it is a record they share with Everton. David Moyes’s side were in the ascendant but the final whistle brought a smattering of boos, a sign they have elevated expectations with their challenge for a Champions League place.

– Guardian Service