Everton picked up all three points after a hard-battled 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Roberto Martinez's visitors made a flying start during a frenetic first half,
with Lukaku sliding in to put them ahead in just the second minute.
Phil Jagielka did well to maintain that advantage when he cleared Dwight Gayle's
clever chip just two minutes later, but despite plenty of opportunities, the hosts
were unable to level before half-time.
Palace, without club captain Mile Jedinak and in-form winger Yannick Bolasie due
to the duo's international duties at the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations
respectively, looked brighter after the restart, but they failed to fashion any clear
openings during a low-key second half.
Everton could have wrapped the points up 13 minutes from time when Lukaku
just failed to connect with Aiden McGeady's cross.
The visitors returned on Tuesday from a six-day training camp in Qatar, and that
break seemed to have rejuvenated Martinez's side when they made a stunning
start - Lukaku putting them ahead just two minutes in.
Damien Delaney's poor attempt at an interception allowed Steven Naismith to
break into the box and when the Scot drilled a low cross towards goal, Julian
Speroni could only parry the ball straight into the path of Lukaku , who bundled
home.
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