Everton continued their quest for Europe with a comprehensive 5-1 demolition of Hull City at Goodison Park.
Mikel Arteta struck twice in the first half and played a part in the third - a Richard Garcia own goal - before Landon Donovan and Jack Rodwell sealed a sixth successive home league victory for the Toffees in the second half.
Hull City's young midfielder Tom Cairney had earlier equalised for the Tigers with a brilliant volley, just three minutes after Yakubu had a 29th minute penalty saved by Boaz Myhill.
But the day belonged to a very dominant Everton.
The victory was Everton's biggest so far this season and equals a club record in the Premier League, lifting the Toffees up to eighth, four points behind Aston Villa.
The home side began brightly as they surged forward and came within a whisker of taking the lead in the opening minutes as Yakubu hit the post.
The Nigerian then delivered a hanging cross from the left as Mikel Arteta volleyed home superbly at the back post.
Hull equalised from youngster Tom Cairney with a superb volley shotly after Yakubu failed to convert a penalty when he was crudley brought down by Kamil Zayatte.
Victor Anichebe crossed from the right to Steven Pienaar and a clever backheel fell perfectly for Arteta slot home from 12 yards in style.
Everything the Spaniard touched was turning to gold, and goals, and it was no surprise who inspired Everton's third after the break.
A chipped cross looped over Myhill and Garcia headed into his own net.
Hull struggled to cope with their opponents for most of the game as they were totaly outplayed.
Even midfield talisman Jimmy Bullard, returning after a three-month lay-off, failed to make an impact.
David Moyes introduced Landon Donovan, who was playing potentially his last home game for Everton before he returns to parent club LA Galaxy.
The American striker showed him how to finish by smashing home a superb fourth goal after two Hull defenders failed to clear a Baines cross eight minutes from time.
Jack Rodwell put the gloss on a fine display by firing home from Donovan's pass late on.
Everton manager David Moyes said:
"Arteta did some fantastic stuff. He got into the box and he's improving all the time.
"When he's on form we're a really good team.
"I was a bit worried when it went to 1-1. I thought it might be one of those days but thankfully we went on to win it."
Post a comment