Tim Cahill's opener was not enough to give Everton full points as they were eventually held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Australian international grabbed his seventh goal of the Premier League season in just the sixth minute, with a customary header from a Leighton Baines cross, kicking of proceedings in a positive manner for the Toffees.
But the Black Cats were soon on level terms when Manchester United loanee Danny Welbeck restored parity in the 22nd minute. The 19-year old then edged the home side ahead with just over 20 minutes remaining before Cahill's good friend and teammate Mikel Arteta netted the leveler eight minutes from time.
The point from the draw pushed Everton up to 14th as Sunderland remained seventh.