Scott Parker got through the formalities of the handshakes with the opposition bench without a glimmer of emotion before he allowed his mask to slip.
For a split-second, he was alone on the Goodison Park pitch and he began to discreetly jab his fists in celebration by his side. Nobody could begrudge him this moment. It had 76 days since he had last felt this rush of happiness and how much it was needed.
Fulham, according to those who watch them regularly, have played better this season but the timing of this success – and the venue at which it arrived – could not have been more significant.