Everton manager David Moyes was irritated on the touchline when fourth official Ben Toner announced six minutes of additional time at the end of the first half, but his attitude quickly improved.
His team had produced many more opportunities than Marco Silva’s side, but a combination of poor finishing and the linesman’s flag kept the Cottagers equal.
Summer signings Barry, who kept his spot in Moyes’ starting lineup despite a glaring miss against Sunderland on Monday, is keen for his first Premier League goal and would have been cursing his luck for having an effort ruled out after Ndiaye strayed offside from Gueye’s low cross.
Barry, a French striker, should have capitalized on a previous opportunity when he stood unmarked to meet Dewsbury-Hall’s cross earlier in the half, but his header went far over the bar.
Defender Tarkowski, who had a close-range effort turned down, was denied by the crossbar shortly after, but Fulham were unable to clear their lines, and Gueye pounced to ultimately put the home side ahead.
The second half would have been a lot more comfortable for Everton if Dewsbury-Hall’s sweeping finish had not been called off, but the Toffees relied on Pickford and Ndiaye to maintain their slender lead with important interventions as Fulham began to commit more players forward.
Keane’s late effort, which appeared to come off his shoulder, calmed the home crowd and secured Everton’s first victory since beating Crystal Palace over a month ago.
Fulham’s victory against Wolves last weekend was their third in four home league matches, but their away form is a reason for concern.
Only Wolves, who travelled to Chelsea for Saturday’s 20:00 GMT kick-off, have performed as poorly as Silva’s Fulham this season, with both teams earning only one point.
Fulham have now lost five consecutive away league games under former Everton manager Silva, having done so earlier in November 2023 and January 2024.
Apart from two comfortable saves from Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez, home goalkeeper Pickford looked unconcerned in the first half as the visitors struggled to pose any threat.
Rodrigo Muniz forced Pickford into action shortly after replacing Jimenez, but the Brazilian striker, who had not scored since the season’s opening day, was replaced 17 minutes later by Adama Traore, who was introduced for the final moments.
Ndiaye’s last-ditch clearance denied Kevin a clear shot on goal midway through the second half, but that was the closest Fulham came to equalizing until Keane’s late effort effectively ruined their hopes of a point.
Everton play their first game following the international break against Manchester United on Monday, November 24 (20:00 GMT), and Fulham host Sunderland at Craven Cottage on Saturday, November 22 (15:00 GMT).
