Everton recorded their first victory in a month with a deserved 2-0 triumph over Fulham at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Goals from Idrissa Gana Gueye and Michael Keane either side of half-time delivered the Toffees a much-needed three points. David Moyes’ side also had three goals ruled out for offside as they moved up to 11th in the Premier League table.
Match report
Everton made a bright enough start, with Thierno Barry having two early chances that he couldn’t take. Then, in the 11th minute, James Garner’s 35-yard free-kick was well kept out by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
The visitors had a couple of attempts on goal through Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez but both were comfortably saved by Blues keeper Jordan Pickford.
Everton started to really get on top and had two goals ruled out for offside from Thierno Barry and James Tarkowski. But they finally broke the deadlock in stoppage-time through Gueye.
Tarkowski’s powerful header rattled the crossbar and after Tim Iroegbunam scuffed the follow-up shot, there was Gueye to pounce and finish beyond Leno.
Fulham did threaten to get back into the encounter early in the second half, with Pickford keeping out efforts from Josh King and Rodrigo Muniz. And for a third time, Everton had a goal ruled out for offside, this time when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the back of the net.
But there was no disputing Keane’s goal with nine minutes remaining. He was first to meet Dewsbury-Hall’s inswinging corner and his effort, via the centre-back’s shoulder, went over Leno to wrap up the win.
Fulham tried to muster a fightback but Pickford was determined to keep a clean sheet and repelled a shot from Adama Traore. Everton then saw the game out comfortably as Moyes’ men picked up three points for the first time in four league games - and are now not in action for two weeks because of the international break.
Everton player ratings vs Fulham
1. Jordan Pickford - 7
Made two comfortable saves in the first half and distribution was really good in the first half. Made two key stops after the break. | Getty Images
2. James Garner - 6
Forced a good save out of Leno and offered more creativity from the right-back role. Kept things tight at the back in the second half before being moved into midfielder for the closing stages. | Getty Images
3. James Tarkowski - 8
Struck his volley so well for his offside goal and rose highest at the backpost that led to the opener. Didn't do much wrong defensively in the first half but booked for a scuffle with Calvin Bassey. Defended on the front foot with aggression in the second half that gave Fulham's attack nothing. | Getty Images
4. Michael Keane - 8
Had one really important headed clearance in the first half and was sound. Solid after the break and put the game to bed. It might have came off his shoulder but showed desire to get there first. | Getty Images