Everton thump Black Cats

Everton produced one of the Premiership performances of the season as they romped to a 7-1 victory over Sunderland at Goodison Park. Goals from Cahill, Osman, Yakubu, Pienaar and Andy Johnson were enough to see off the Black Cats.

Yakubu put Everton ahead after 12 minutes, taking advantage of Paul McShane's slip to slip the ball over Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon.

Arteta put on a genius display and twisted and turned on Ian Harte, to launch the ball to Phil Neville who in turn sent the ball into the box for Yakubu to send home.

On 43 minutes South African midfielder Steven Pienaar was on hand to make it 3-0. Nuno Valente slid in a perfect return pass for Pienaar to fire high past Gordon, and Goodison Park erupted.

The roars were silenced for a moment however, as Dwight Yorke pulled one back just before half time.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane made two changes at half-time, bringing on Ross Wallace and Danny Collins for Yorke and Dickson Etuhu as he showed his disgust at his side's first half performance.

Cahill got his second and Everton's fourth after 62 minutes - Yobo launched the ball forward for Cahill to control and send past Craig Gordon.

Their fifth wasn't as superb as the rest, as a goalmouth scramble resulted in an extending of the lead. Gordon had just saved well with his feet from Osman, and when Sunderland lost Arteta from the corner, Yakubu pounced from close range to score.

Neville's long ball caught Sunderland horribly square, and the returning Andy Johnson demonstrated his pace to storm clear and chip over the Scottish keeper.

It was then made 7-1 in the 85th minute as Leon Osman ran from the half way line to score.

A fantastic performance and David Moyes will be impressed with the way his young side are rapidly improving.