Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has praised the abilities of his manager Roberto Martinez after the Toffees took a giant step toward Champions League qualification today.

The Merseyside outfit moved to within a single point of fourth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table by beating the Gunners 3-0 at Goodison Park this afternoon.

Martinez's men have a game in hand over the North Londoners, meaning that the passage into Europe's elite competition is in their own hands, and Kenwright was quick to praise the Spaniard's work this season.

He told reporters: "It is difficult to put into words how good that was. I have seen some comprehensive victories for Everton but that was so consummate I thought 'if you're going to take me, take me now'.

"It was a great afternoon. An afternoon better than we would thought it would be. But that is Roberto Martinez - he gives you a dream and then goes one more. We have got difficult games coming up but qualifying for the Champions League is in our hands now."

Everton's game in hand is a home encounter with Crystal Palace.