Everton are on course to move above local rivals Liverpool after Romelu Lukaku's header gave them a half-time lead away to Norwich City.
The Blues thought that they had a case for a penalty in the opening minutes when Gerard Deulofeu went down under a challenge from Sebastien Bassong, but referee Martin Atkinson waved away the visitors' protests.
Norwich, who have won only once in their previous 10 games, tried to cause problems for the Toffees backline when Wes Hoolahan's cross needed to be plucked out of the air by keeper Tim Howard.
The Canaries built on their positive start as Nathan Redmond scurried past Leighton Baines before firing wide from an acute angle.
However, they almost fell behind when Lukaku pounced on Arouna Kone's deflected pass, but his strike failed to test Declan Rudd.
Everton finally edged ahead after a misplaced clearance from Martin Olsson presented Deulofeu with the chance to cross and his delivery was headed home by Lukaku at the back post.
Moments later, Kone squandered another opportunity to score as he ran in on goal, only for Rudd to smother the Ivorian's attempt.
Roberto Martinez's men remained on the front foot and should have increased their lead when Tom Cleverley found space to cross for Lukaku, only for the Belgian to miss from close range when it looked easier to score.
As the Norwich fans voiced their frustrations with their side's lack of attacking threat, Everton went close again as Baines struck the woodwork before Lukaku fired another effort agonisingly wide of the target.
Chris O'Keefe
