Everton moved into the top four of the Premier League as Romelu Lukaku's first goal in six games sealed victory over Southampton.
Seamus Coleman gave Everton the lead with a fine strike into the top corner.
Saints substitute Gaston Ramirez levelled with a shot from range that Everton keeper Joel Robles misjudged. But just three minutes later Everton were back in front, with Lukaku converting James McCarthy's incisive 74th minute pass to seal victory.
The result means the Merseyside outfit leapfrog neighbours Liverpool - who play Chelsea later on Sunday.
Everton are five points behind leaders Arsenal while Southampton remain ninth after a disappointing end to 2013.
Mauricio Pochettino's side had been third heading in November's fixtures but just two wins in 10 league games has seen them slide down the table.
Everton, who were missing Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka and Gareth Barry, led at the break courtesy of Coleman's wonderful strike - his fourth goal of the season.
The Republic of Ireland defender collected the ball wide on the right and easily cut inside James Ward-Prowse before advancing into the area and firing a stunning shot across keeper Kelvin Davis and into the top right hand corner of the goal. It was the only highlight of an otherwise turgid first half, although Ross Barkley had earlier side-footed Coleman's cross straight at Davis.
At the other end Adam Lallana had Southampton's best chance of the half but dragged a left-foot volley wide after showing neat footwork to create the opportunity.
Everton felt they should have had a penalty when Dejan Lovren shrugged Steven Naismith off the ball, while Rickie Lambert fired a tame half volley straight at Robles from 20 yards.
After the break Southampton captain Lallana was prevented from converting Luke Shaw's pass by a last-ditch tackle from McCarthy.
Bryan Oviedo found space on the left but his cross was side-footed wide by Barkley from close range while at the other end Jay Rodriguez went close for Saints as his shot from the edge of the area was deflected wide.

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