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A delightful Yakubu hattrick was enough to kill off Fulham as Everton defeated the Cottagers by 3-0. Fulham were dominated from the off, and the outstanding Nigerian striker performed admirably for 90 minutes. The £9m man has now grabbed 9 goals in 16 games for Everton.
Joseph Yobo had returned to Everton's defence after recovering from an ankle problem, with Phil Jagielka dropping to the bench. Moyes recalled Leon Osman and Yakubu with Andy Johnson and James McFadden left on the bench.
Everton lost Baines after 22 minutes with Jagielka coming on to initially fill in at left-back. Everton displayed some very attacking football throughout the first half, but failed to grab a goal.
It took just six minutes into the second half when Everton's new-found urgency saw them take the lead. Niemi made a fine save, but the ball rolled out for a somewhat surprised Yakubu to steer over the line from 10 yards.
It got worse for Fulham after 61 minutes. Poor marking after Arteta's corner allowed Jagielka to flick the ball on, and Yakubu to rise unchallenged to head home from a yard out.
79 minutes Yakubu completed his hat-trick. He side-stepped Stefanovic with ease in the box to guide the ball past Niemi.
Eight minutes from the end, Johnson and McFadden took over from Cahill and Yakubu, clearly with Wednesday's cup tie in mind.
The result was done, and a brilliant result for the Toffees who continue to impress in the Premiership.
Written by majicka
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