Everton’s unlikely bid for a top 4 spot continued unabated this afternoon with a 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
For most of the first half Everton looked a step off the pace they have been setting in recent weeks but they took the lead early in the second period when Steven Naismith, on as a half-time sub for Ross Barkley, returned a cleared corner kick to the Fulham box. Naismith’s strike bounced around the box, between outstretched legs and failed clearance attempts, before ricocheting off goalkeeper David Stockdale’s leg and ending up in the home side’s net.

Fulham responded strongly and levelled the game with a superb strike from second half sub Ashkan Dejagah.

Aiden McGeady – one of three Everton subs – came into the game and earned his place in the 79th minute when he played a superb through ball for fellow substitute Kevin Mirallas to run on to and add Everton’s second goal. McGeady collected the ball in the middle of the pitch and, with no pressure from Fulham’s midfield – striking at that moment by its absence – he took a brief look ahead before playing the incisive pass.

The three substitutes proved decisive for Everton and Naismith ensured he would leave with a goal of his own when, in the 87th minute, he sealed the win with a poked finish from six yards.

Everton move 4 points behind Arsenal, with a game in hand, while Fulham remain 5 points from safety.