Everton boss David Moyes hailed Tim Howard after his spotkick heroics at Blackburn Rovers.
The American made a string of superb saves, including stopping a Junior Hoilett penalty, as Everton left Blackburn with a narrow victory.
Mikel Arteta scored from the spot late on to snatch the points but Howard's display proved crucial as he coped admirably under intense pressure throughout.
And Moyes said: "Tim Howard has got better at saving penalties. He has got a bit of belief in himself and today he has saved us.
"Last year he came here on the first day of the season and dropped a ball - today he has saved us and that will have done him the world of good."
