The deadline-day signing from Real Madrid performed with aplomb on his first Barclays Premier League start for the Toffees yesterday and scored within the opening three minutes.

Drenthe's audacious effort was cancelled out by Bryan Ruiz's chip, before Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell wrapped up a 3-1 away win at Craven Cottage.

"The fans can expect more," he said. "You can show a lot more when you start than when you come in from the bench.

"Of course you can be important when you come in, but always it's a bit harder to get with the pace of the game.

"I did a good job, but for me it's always more important that I do a good job for the team.

"Three points was very important for Everton and when we're not playing at Goodison it's even better to get the win."

Everton manager David Moyes praised Drenthe after the match for the way he has fitted in at the club, which was evident as he made a beeline for the bench after scoring.

"After my goal I ran to Johnny [Heitinga]," he added.

"From the beginning since I came to Everton he's been like my dad and told me what I can do, and who to ask for help. So I said to him, if I score I'm coming to you.

"Before I started to play, the manager killed me in training. He made me run a lot and now I feel really fit and great. That's what I wanted - to be sharp.

"I don't want not to be fit and then come into a game and not be able to handle the pressure. I feel good now.

"I think we've got a really good squad and it's not easy for the manager to make decisions before the game.

"He's the boss, and he makes the decisions. I got my first start, and it was a good feeling."

Yesterday's result was harsh on Fulham, who could have won it themselves if Bobby Zamora had not hit the bar when through on goal moments before Saha scored.

John Arne Riise admitted the defeat was a bitter blow for the Cottagers, but remains confident results will turn around.

"When [you concede] so early you don't change your game plan - you just keep going," he told www.fulhamfc.com.

"I knew we would still play well, even after that shocking start,.

"We did well in the first half. Yeah, they had a few chances, but we played it around them and created a lot.

"Against QPR everything went in [6-0 home win on October 2]. Today it didn't, but that's football.

"The thing is, we are playing some good football, that's why we just have to keep on going.

"Of course, it's killing us as players, the fans and the management to be playing well but not winning games we should be, but as I say, sometimes that is football. The season is long and hopefully we'll turn it around in our favour before long."