Everton's six-game winless streak in the Premier League came to an end as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 this afternoon thanks to Romelu Lukaku's early strike.
Alan Pardew's side gave a good account of themselves and might have extended their four-game unbeaten run under his management had they taken advantage of some good spells during the match.
A solid defensive display, however, proved to be the foundation for a much-needed win for Roberto Martinez and his side.
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Lukaku gave Everton the perfect start just two minutes into the match with a goal from close range, after Steven Naismith was able to get in behind the Palace defence and fire across goal.
The exciting start continued as Palace's Dwight Gayle latched onto a hopeful ball forward before flicking over the advancing Joel, but Phil Jagielka raced back and cleared off the line.
Marouane Chamakh was the next to come close for Palace as he took down the ball on the edge of the box. He eventually worked some space and got a shot away, which was well blocked by John Stones.
The striker had to go off through injury later on, however, meaning that Jordan Mutch was brought on for his Palace debut.
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Jason Puncheon picked up the ball 40 yards from goal before pushing forward and firing towards goal, but Joel was equal to the impressive drive and saved down low to keep his side in front at half time.
The exciting opening period to the match was not replicated at the start of the second, with neither side able to create any meaningful openings of note as the game wore on.
Palace enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure, but Everton never really look troubled at the back.
Gayle was almost in around the back for Palace again, but Stones covered across to clear away and deny the forward a strike on goal.
There were a couple of late chances for both sides, but neither could convert them, meaning that Everton went home with the points.
Benjamin Topliss
