Abrace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped Everton return to winning ways after a five-goal thriller at Fulham, who suffered penalty disappointment yet again.
Carlo Ancelotti saw the England striker net twice in the first half to take his club tally for the season to 13, with 10 of them in the Premier League, while Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first goal for the Toffees proved key in the end.
Fulham had responded well to Calvert-Lewin’s bright opener with Bobby Decordova-Reid equalising soon after, but slack play at the back had them set for another defeat before they were handed a lifeline in the 67th minute.
Ivan Cavaleiro missed the subsequent spot-kick, however, and even though Ruben Loftus-Cheek pulled one back three minutes later, Scott Parker’s side suffered a seventh league loss of the campaign.
Richarlison returned for Everton after a three-match suspension and his impact was immediate with the attacker involved in the opener inside a minute in the capital.
Decordova-Reid gave away possession and the Brazilian did not need a second invitation to dribble into the area where his centre was bundled in by Calvert-Lewin.
With 42 seconds on the clock it was the quickest goal scored in the division this season and after the perfect start, Ancelotti would have hoped for a strong defensive showing.
Following three consecutive defeats, the Italian had changed formation at Craven Cottage and recalled defenders Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina to play alongside Michael Keane.
Despite having three centre-backs on the pitch, Decordova-Reid found enough space in between two of them to rifle home the equaliser in the 15th minute following a neat one-two with Fulham captain Tom Cairney.
