Striker Jermain Defoe`s brilliance saw Portsmouth lead 2-0 at half time against Everton in the Premier League match at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Portsmouth who lost both their matches in the Premier League against Chelsea and Manchester United were a different unit and Jermain Defoe was a constant threat upfront for the Toffees.

Pompey took the lead in the 12th minute through Jermain Defoe who showed great body strength to outsmart his marker and place his shot into the far corner of the net.

England keeper David James brought an outstanding save for Pompey in the 21st minute when he blocked Spaniard Mikel Arteta`s shot from close range after Nigerian Yakubu provided the cross.

Ten minutes later, Portsmouth defender Kaboul brought a timely goalline clearance before Yakubu could slot the ball into the unguarded nets.

Portsmouth consolidated their lead off a well constructed move five minute before half time, when Jermain Defoe beautifully set up overlapping right back Glen Johnson whose outside-foot shot had no answer from keeper Tim Howard.

Teams:

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Arteta, Rodwell, Jagielka, Osman, Yakubu, Vaughan.

Subs: Turner, Jacobsen, Nuno Valente, Anichebe, Kissock, Baxter, Wallace.

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Diop, Davis, Diarra, Armand Traore, Crouch, Defoe.

Subs: Ashdown, Lauren, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Mvuemba, Sahar, Djimi Traore.