Everton: Champions League?

Everton's 7-1 victory over Sunderland may not have alarm bells ringing in the ears of Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea yet; but the big few will need to stand up and take notice soon. Everton have all the elements for a successful formula in place.

It was a mauling, no doubt. There's not many times in a season where you will see a beating more than 5-0, let alone 7-1. But this was no fluke, Everton have a squad beyond capable and utilise attacking football with skill and pace.

The reason the big few may start worrying though, is the fact that Everton have a wonderful young squad. It's taken David Moyes a while to get the team to gel, but he isn't far off a winning formula.

Baines, Hibbert, Lescott, McFadden, Osman, Pienaar, Anichebe and Vaughan are all superb young talents with a huge future ahead of them in the Premiership.

But Everton's experienced few: Cahill, Phil Neville, Yakubu, Arteta, Yobo and Stubbs are the ones who are helping push this side forward.

Even Andy Johnson may be stretched to get a first-team place in the future as Anichebe showed a few times in the UEFA Cup that he is more than able.

Then there is of course the boss man, David Moyes. For years he was linked as Alex Ferguson's assistant, instead taking the Preston job - and look how he has improved over the years. Moyes really is becoming one of the Premiership's best.

After the Sunderland defeat, a flabbergasted Roy Keane said: Keane said: "I have never been on the end of anything like that in my career, but I am surprised to be asked that question because it is not about me or my personal feelings."

The fact is, Everton are now a force to be reckoned with, and are far and away from the depths of mid-table obscurity. Everton are genuine European football challengers and will be hopeful of some domestic success this year.

Tim Cahill is becoming one of the Premiership's great all-rounders, and his goal against Chelsea to rescue a point last week showed just how talented the Aussie is. Two more goals against Sunderland continue to add to the midfielder's impressive collection of great strikes.

The Premiership must now stand up and take notice. The "big four" have a genuine threat.