Everton 3-0 Sunderland

Mikel Arteta was in inspirational form as the Spaniard grabbed a brace to help Everton to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sunderland.

Despite the return to fitness of Victor Anichebe the Nigerian striker had to settle for a place on the bench as David Moyes continued with makeshift striker Tim Cahill on his own in attack.

It didn't take long for Everton's Spanish maestro Arteta to open the scoring as the former Barcelona and Rangers midfielder blasted a free-kick through the wall and Sunderland stopper Marton Fulop in just the ninth minute.

Everton's arch creator Arteta continued to tease and torment Ricky Sbragia's side throughout the first half, particularly with his delivery from set-pieces, and on 27 minutes he doubled the Toffees' advantage. Steed Malbranque needlessly chopped down Steven Pienaar just outside the penalty area and, although Arteta's initial free-kick smashed into the wall, his second attempt on the rebound flashed into the top corner thanks to a deflection off the knee of Danny Collins.

David Moyes' side took their foot off the gas after half-time but Sunderland failed to take advantage with a long-range effort from lively substitute Carlos Edwards all they had to show for their afternoon's endeavours.

Everton's second home win of the season was rounded off by 18-year-old Dan Gosling who stole in unmarked to steer Joleon Lescott's driven cross past the helpless Fulop to score his first goal for the club with just seven minutes left on the clock.