Nikica Jelavic's first goal for Everton was enough for the Toffees to claim all three points from the encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park this evening.

Visiting Tottenham controlled the early proceedings, but they were unable to force Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard into any telling action.

Having struggled to get a foothold in the game, hosting Everton broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Leon Osman crossed from the left for Jelavic, who sent an effort past Brad Friedel from 12 yards out.

Jelavic almost doubled his tally from distance as the half drew to an end, while Royston Drenthe also went close. However, on both occasions Friedel was on hand to parry their efforts wide of goal.

Spurs responded positively after the restart, with Jermain Defoe forcing Howard into a save from close range within the opening seconds.

Defoe went on to miss two further opportunities, but he finally put the ball in the net 16 minutes from time. The England international's celebrations were cut short though, as was adjudged to have been offside when he converted Gareth Bale's lofted pass.

The away side continued to push for an equaliser and went close in stoppage time to claiming a point. A short corner routine found Louis Saha, but the former Everton striker struck the post from close range.

David Moyes's Everton have moved up to ninth in the Premier League table with the victory.

A win over rivals Liverpool on Tuesday will see them leapfrog their Merseyside rivals.