Kenwyne Jones says his seventh goal of the season will re-ignite his campaign after enduring a barren spell of form which had seen him score just once in almost two months.
The Trinidad & Tobago ace headed the Potters in front in trademark fashion in the first half, before Toffees defender Phil Jagielka turned the ball into his own net late on to ensure the Potters kicked off 2011 in perfect fashion.
Jones' confirmed to Stoke City Player that he has been suffering from off the field problems over the past few months, but says he is ready to put them behind him and help inspire the Club to its best finish in the Barclays Premier League.
"I guess problems are a part of life, and sometimes they do unfortunately spill over into your job, which in my case is playing football," revealed the former Sunderland star after the game.
"When it comes to football, you do want to take your mind off other things and just go out there and play how you know you can, but at times it is difficult when things are happening behind the scenes.
"Thankfully today, I came out fully focussed and desperate to help the team get the year off to a good start. I was very happy with my goal, and maybe we had a little bit of luck for the second goal, but I think we deserved that.
He added: "The goal will give me confidence for sure. The last few weeks, chances have been few and far between and when they have come I have missed them or the 'keeper has saved them which is frustrating.
"Thankfully though, I have got the ball rolling again now and hopefully I can score a few more and really help the club push on in 2011. There is no reason why, with the players we have here, that we can't improve on what was achieved last season."
Victory against David Moyes' side elevates the club up into eighth place in the top flight, and Jones says it was the perfect way to wrap up a tiresome festive period.
"It's been a very difficult and tiring schedule for us over Christmas so it was fantastic to end it on a winning note with a win against Everton," he added. "We have had some difficult games and we have worked hard, so to get the win makes it all worthwhile."