Ayegbeni Yakubu sent Everton back into fourth place in the Premier League as the Nigerian's double strike set up a crucial 3-1 win against Portsmouth today.

David Moyes's side had been knocked out of the last Champions League spot when Liverpool won at Bolton earlier in the day. But Yakubu's predatory finishes and a Tim Cahill header extended Everton's unbeaten league run to eight matches and re-opened a three-point gap on their Merseyside rivals.

The score was slightly harsh on Portsmouth, whose manager Harry Redknapp will not remember his 61st birthday with much fondness as his team lost ground in their bid to qualify for the Uefa Cup.

Everton started with the same team that won at Manchester City on Monday and Yakubu gave them the perfect start against his former club.

The goal came after only 47 seconds and was just reward for Yakubu's determination as he harried Lassana Diarra into conceding a free-kick straight from kick-off.

South African midfielder Steven Pienaar took the set-piece, Jospeh Yobo flicked on and Yakubu headed past David James from close range for his 17th goal of the season.

That should have been the signal for Everton to take control but they found it hard to press home their advantage. Leon Osman shot wide midway through the half but Portsmouth were level in the 38th minute.

Glen Johnson's cross from the right exposed Everton's ponderous offside trap and Defoe took full advantage with a faint touch to guide the ball into the far corner.

Nwankwo Kanu went close to giving Portsmouth the lead soon after half-time when he squeezed past Joleon Lescott, but Tim Howard was out quickly to block his shot.

With Everton looking increasingly short of ideas to break down the visitors, Moyes sent on England striker Andrew Johnson for the final 25 minutes. He almost made an instant impact when he slotted home Yakubu's pass but the Nigerian had already been flagged offside.

Everton finally had some momentum and the decisive goal arrived in the 73rd minute. Yakubu was involved again as he laid a pass back to Pienaar on the edge of the penalty area. Pienaar's cross was lofted towards Cahill and the Australia midfielder timed his leap perfectly to bury a header past James.

Everton were nearly presented with a third goal by James when his miskick presented Osman with the ball, but the England goalkeeper averted the danger with a diving header.

Yakubu put the result beyond doubt with nine minutes to play. He left Sol Campbell for dead on the touchline before lashing an unstoppable shot past James.