David Moyes drew parallels with his first game as Everton manager after beginning his 10th year in charge with victory over Fulham.
Everton repeated their 2-1 success over the Cottagers from March 2002 as they lifted themselves to 40 points in the Barclays Premier League with goals from Seamus Coleman and Louis Saha. A Clint Dempsey strike prevented the Toffees from cruising to victory at Goodison Park but the hosts held on for a deserved win.
Moyes said: "There was a similarity - we went ahead, they got back and it was a bit tense. It is a dangerous result 2-0 - the Premier League is not letting any games be won easily, by any side."
He added: "It was a good victory, we had to grind it out. We are missing a lot of key players.
"My job is to try to find a way of winning."
Everton are now eighth in a congested table, eight points above the relegation zone and looking to finish a disappointing campaign with a flourish.
Moyes added: "Most years at Everton we have been up there, so we have not got any real reason to look down.
"Unfortunately the form we have been in has made us think we might have to, but we are grinding our way out of it.
"I don't know if it will be enough but I would hope we take some more points before the end of the season."
Source: PA
