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
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5. Tim Iroegbunam - 6
Efficient on the ball in the first half and his effort before Gueye's goal went down as an assist. Booked in the second half for stopping a free-kick and did seem to be tiring when subbed in the 67th minute. | Getty Images
6. Idrissa Gana Gueye - 7
Buzzed around throughout the first half and made some really good runs before crashing home the opener. Plugged away after the break. | Getty Images
7. Vitalii Mykolenko - 6
Whipped in a fine cross that helped yield the opening goal but a couple of shaky moments with the ball in the first half. Sound after the break and his centre led to Dewsbury-Hall's disallowed goal. | Getty Images
8. Iliman Ndiaye - 6
Whipped in the cross for Barry's header but quiet by his own standards in the first half. Had some moments in the second half but didn't see the ball as much as he'd have hoped. | Getty Images