Nikica Jelavic's threat lifts Everton against Fulham

Everton 4 Fulham 0

Leon Osman believes Nikica Jelavic has given Everton a fear factor from which the rest of the team are benefiting. The Croatia striker scored twice in the 4-0 victory over Fulham at Goodison Park to take his tally to 10 since arriving in January.

But the by-product has been goals for the rest of the side as Everton scored four for the third successive match for the first time since 1964.

"We were all aware of what he could do when he was playing in Scotland and when we heard we had signed him we were delighted," said Osman, who on Saturday made his 300th appearance for Everton. "The opposition are a bit scared of him because they know he can score goals. When that happens sometimes it releases space for other players in the team."

Jelavic's first came from the penalty spot and Marouane Fellaini headed in the second. The third was all down to Jelavic's brilliance as he raced onto a pass from the excellent Steven Pienaar, drew Mark Schwarzer out of his goal and then fired a shot through the keeper's legs from an acute angle. After the break substitute Tim Cahill slid in the fourth.

Booked Everton - Gibson. Fulham - Diarra

Man of the match Pienaar

Possession Everton 65% Fulham 35%

Attempts on target Everton 8 Fulham 5

Referee P Dowd (Staffordshire)

Attendance 31,885