PA PhotosMarouane Fellaini: Amongst the best point producers after 11 matches

Like a film with an uncoordinated soundtrack, something was not quite right. The quick tempo, sharp movement and intricate passing were all slightly off key. Thankfully, the three points are the most important part and that is what Everton got, eventually. The visitors provided a stern test, arguably the toughest since Manchester United's visit, but Martin O'Neill's assertion that his side were brilliant bordered on the hyperbolic.

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Once again starting slowly, Everton were lucky to survive as the visitors spurned two clear openings in the first ten minutes. Defensive sluggishness is a recurring theme for Everton with slow starts symptomatic of their early season form. When Adam Johnson put Sunderland ahead on the brink of half time, Everton had conceded first for the sixth successive league game.

During the first half, Kevin Mirallas continued his impressive recent form and was the only home player close to their best. Unfortunately, another injury saw his game end early and fans will pray he is fit for the Reading trip.

Sharper in the tackle and with a greater purpose in possession, few could begrudge Sunderland their half time lead. However, it came from another individual error with Leon Osman the guilty party on this occasion after his failure to track Adam Johnson at the far post.

Aiding their recent attacking football, Everton's high-pressure game involves the use of a high defensive line. Nevertheless, without Sylvain Distin, the central pairing lack the necessary recovery pace and it is all too easy to exploit gaps in the Everton rearguard. When paired with the lack of defensive cover offered by the midfield, Everton's defensive issues become clearer.

Everton emerged after the break with Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar more involved. Despite the increased pressure and heightened purpose, it felt like one of those days as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes. Cue the man of the hour: Marouane Fellaini. The big-haired Belgian turned the match around in the space of two second half minutes.

With unerring accuracy, he blasted an equaliser before a neat turn and flick allowed Nikica Jelavic to finish with aplomb. As that overused cliché states, the sign of a good team is winning on a bad day and Everton certainly mastered that here. There were some nervy moments in the final stages but Everton held on and ended their momentum-checking run of four consecutive draws.

Heading into this match, Everton were the first team in Premier League history to concede first in five successive matches and avoid defeat. This result stretches that run to six matches but Everton cannot afford to keep giving teams a head start. The determination to fight back and earn results is commendable but the continual concession of poor goals is of greater concern.

In terms of personnel, it was good to see Jelavic grab the winner. Starved of service in recent weeks, he showed his finishing capabilities with another first-time finish whilst Osman celebrated his England call-up with a resourceful midfield display. Fellaini won Everton the match; however, the best player on the pitch was Phil Jagielka. Immense in defence, the England man is returning to his best form.

Defensive improvements are necessary but this is a good time to be an Evertonian and long may it continue. Instead of the customary football famine served up between August and January, fans are witnessing fast and attacking football. Squad depth remains a worry but, if Everton can shore up the defence and get Darron Gibson back to full fitness, this is an impressive first eleven.

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