THREE points against Wolverhampton Wanderers were gratefully received at the weekend – but it wasn’t easy to watch at times.

Leighton Baines’ coolly taken penalty eventually gave Everton the victory and eased the growing frustration of the fans in the stands.

To be fair to Wolves though, they are no pushovers. Karl Henry, Stephen Hunt and Jamie O’Hara could be politely described as ‘competitive’, and they certainly made many a Blues fan’s afternoon uncomfortable last Saturday.

But thankfully Everton could rely on Marouanne Fellaini to give the Blues a foothold in the game. Fresh from signing his new five-year deal, the big Belgian’s performance illustrated what a massive loss he would be to David Moyes’ side if he is ever allowed to leave the club.

His defensive qualities were highlighted on Saturday, but what the fans were desperate to see was more possession and creativity. Saha appeared equally frustrated as his hard work up front was unrewarded with any quality balls in the final third.

But Everton battled through thanks in no small part to the performance of Jagielka, who grabbed the equaliser and was a defensive rock throughout. But his distribution will surely have to improve in future if he is ever to cement his place in the England line-up.

You wonder what Fabio Capello – or Club England fans – would make of some of his hoofs from the back.

In view of the league table it was a desperately needed three points, but it will not keep the dark clouds away for long.