Stoke City ended a run of four successive away defeats by edging past Everton in a cagey affair at Goodison Park.
Robert Huth scored the only goal in a game of few chances that was played predominantly in the middle of the park.
Tony Pulis's side got their goal after a quarter of an hour when German defender Huth diverted Dean Whitehead's shot past the helpless Tim Howard.
Both sides continued to threaten from set pieces in the first half but no further goals were added by the break.
The home side's best chance came three minutes from time when three Toffees players failed to convert an inviting Leighton Baines delivery to leave David Moyes cutting a frustrated figure on the touchline.
Stoke return to the top half of the table with the win, replacing Everton in eighth, with the Toffees dropping to tenth.
Pascal Lemesre
