Iliman Ndiaye scored a first-half penalty as Everton secured only their second Premier League away win since December 2023 with a 1-0 victory at Brighton & Hove Albion to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Brighton defender Joel Veltman inexplicably handled the ball under pressure from striker Beto, scooping it away with his right arm, and Ndiaye kept his cool to bury the spot kick in the bottom left corner affter 42 minutes.
Everton had to weather wave after wave of Brighton attacks in the second half but the home side, who were on a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions, failed to break down a resolute visiting defence.
Brighton stay in ninth place with 34 points from 23 games, while Everton are 16th on 23 from 22 matches and have won two of their three games under new manager David Moyes.
There was a scuffle involving several players from both sides at the final whistle, an illustration of Brighton’s frustration at having dominated possession with 69 per cent in the game, but only managing one shot on target.
Everton, by contrast, will be delighted with an away showing that was not pretty but full of grit and tactical acumen, hallmarks of Moyes' first spell in charge at Goodison Park.
"The three points feel big," Everton defender James Tarkowski said. "We have had a tough period the last few months and it is great to get back-to-back wins.
"I was nervous (for the penalty). I didn't even watch. I don't know how it went in but I don't care. Calm and collected, that's what we expect of him (Ndiaye). We have been resilient, grinded it out."
EARLY BLOW
The visitors were dealt an early blow when Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped off after 10 minutes with a hamstring injury, leaving his replacement Beto as the only fit senior striker at the club.
Moyes has spoken about potentially bringing in more forward options in this transfer window and his hand may now be forced.
There was little action in either box until Everton won their first Premier League penalty of the season and Ndiaye scored his fifth goal of the campaign, and seventh in all competitions.
Brighton camped in the Everton half in the second period and Georginio Rutter and Kaoru Mitoma had efforts that went wide as the home side's finishing was wayward.
Everton had to play the final 18 minutes, including 10 minutes of added time, with 10 men after midfielder Orel Mangala limped off.
They had already made substitutions on three separate occasions, meaning they could not replace the Belgian international.
"I was sandwiched between two guys," Veltman said of the penalty. "I got a little push from the right hand side that moved my hand forward and the ball was there.
"We did well second half but we could not make a 100 per cent chance and that is what we have to improve."