Toffees steal march on rivals

Having seen Liverpool go fourth with victory at Bolton, Everton rose to the challenge instantly and took the lead inside a minute through Yakubu - only for Jermain Defoe to equalise in the 38th minute.

Pompey appeared capable of snatching a point - but the Toffees raised their game and Tim Cahill headed his 10th goal of the season before Yakubu blasted his 18th in a rousing climax.

The visitors were caught cold by their former player Yakubu almost immediately. The big Nigerian chased down Lassana Diarra from the kick-off, and was fouled by the French midfielder.

When Steven Pienaar lifted the free-kick into the box, Joseph Yobo flicked it on and Yakubu was all on his own to head past David James from six yards.

His 17th goal of the season, timed at just 47 seconds, gave Everton the perfect start but spoiled the 61st birthday of Pompey boss Harry Redknapp.

However, the visitors were much happier soon after when they grabbed a 38th-minute equaliser. Glen Johnson fired over a cross from the right and Defoe managed the faintest of touches in the six-yard box as the ball eluded Howard.

Yakubu was generally kept quiet in the second half by Sylvain Distin and Sol Campbell, but in the 73rd minute he kept possession well out on the left and fed Pienaar on the edge of the box.

The little South African then produced a neat chip for Cahill, who had shaken off the attention of the Portsmouth defence, to head past James from close range.

And in the 81st minute Yakubu made it 3-1 to the home side. The Nigerian collected a long crossfield ball from Lee Carsley, held off and neatly turned Campbell, before lashing a shot home.