Having suffered their first defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in their previous home outing, Everton looked to bounce back against a Fulham side they had failed to overcome in their last four visits to Merseyside.
The Toffees were unable to capitalise on a promising start as Thierno Barry’s wait for a first goal continued - his headed effort from Iliman Ndiaye’s pinpoint cross drifted harmlessly wide - while James Garner’s ambitious 30-yard free-kick was pushed away by Bernd Leno.
After seeing two earlier efforts ruled out, Everton maintained their pressure late into the first half and were finally rewarded when Idrissa Gueye reacted quickest amid a chaotic goalmouth scramble, slotting home after James Tarkowski’s header came back off the crossbar.
Marco Silva’s side emerged with renewed intent after the break, following their particularly uninspiring first half.
Yet it was Everton who remained the great threat, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall became the third Toffees player to see a goal disallowed, as the hosts continued to push for a decisive second.
Fulham substitute Rodrigo Muniz almost made an immediate impact with Pickford saving the Brazilian’s low driven effort, but they struggled to build on that opportunity as Everton regained control of the contest.
It proved to be a thoroughly disappointing afternoon for the hapless Cottagers, with Everton finally putting the result beyond doubt when Michael Keane rose above the defence to turn in his second goal of the campaign.
With Everton buoyed with the three points heading into the international break, David Moyes celebrates his 20th PL victory over Fulham - a side he has recorded the most PL wins over.
The Cottagers, meanwhile, succumb to a fifth-straight away defeat that leaves Silva plenty to reflect on.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Everton)
