The honours were shared at Craven Cottage in a very entertaining game.
For this fixture, Martin Jol opted to play Alexander Kacaniklic and Bryan Ruiz instead of Hugo Rodallega and Kieran Richardson.
It was decision that was vindicated as early as the 7th minute. With Dimitar Berbatov fouled by Phil Neville, some twenty-five yards out, Ruiz stepped up and delivered a beautiful shot that swerved around the wall. Tim Howard could only push it onto the post and the ball rebounded off of the unfortunate keeper to nestle in the net.
The goal, which came against the run of play, was our 500th in Premier League football.
After the goal, and for the remainder of the half, Everton had Fulham on the back-foot with Mark Schwarzer doing well to deny Fellaini, Jelavic and Pienaar.
Half Time – Fulham 1 Everton 0.
Everton had a great chance to equalise in the opening stages when Jagielka helped on a cross but Fellaini couldn`t make any contact at the far post. But the siege of our area was to pay dividends for our visitors when our defence was breached when Fellaini lashed home the ball after some good work from Mirallas down the right flank.
Fulham could have gone ahead again when Berbatov beat the offside trap but was foiled by the American keeper. Everton were to go ahead, in the 72nd minute, though when Fellaini out-muscled Hughes, controlled the ball on his chest and sent the loose ball into the back of the net.
Everton could have stretched their lead when Osman freed Fellaini but his shot hit the post. Naismith, with a cross found Fellaini and his volley produced a wonderful save from Schwarzer.
But just as you thought all was lost Sidwell was on hand to net after it looked as if Berbatov would be the man to get the finishing touch with only minutes left. It may, if we are to be honest, not deserved but we`re not complaining.
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