Sunday afternoon's Premier League match at Goodison Park pitted Everton against Sunderland.
Entering the clash, the Toffees had only won three of their 10 league matches this season, with that uninspiring start leaving them in the bottom half of the table.
Sunderland, meanwhile, remained in the relegation zone despite a 3-0 victory against Newcastle United last weekend, but would have moved out of the bottom three with a victory at Goodison.
Goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Arouna Kone saw Everton lead 2-0 approaching the half-time break, but a Jermain Defoe effort in the fourth minute of stoppage time left the match delicately poised ahead of the second period.
Sunderland were on terms early in the second half through Steven Fletcher, but a Sebastian Coates own goal saw Everton regain the lead in the 55th minute, before Romelu Lukaku made it 4-2 on the hour.
Everton were not finished as they added a fifth through Kone in the 62nd minute, before the striker completed his hat-trick 15 minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Goodison Park as Everton welcome Sunderland. It was been an underwhelming start to the season for Everton, who currently sit 12th in the table on 13 points. As for Sunderland, they are still in the bottom three, but will enter this game full of confidence following a 3-0 win over Newcastle United last time out. Here's to a good game!
Before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS:
EVERTON: Howard; Coleman, Stones, Funes Mori, Oviedo; McCarthy, Barry, Barkley; Deulofeu, Lukaku, Kone
SUNDERLAND: Pantilimon; Yedlin, Brown, Coates, Jones; M'Vila, Cattermole; Johnson, Defoe, Van Aanholt; Fletcher
So there we have it. Seamus Coleman has been passed fit for the home team, but Phil Jagielka misses out in central defence, meaning that it is Ramiro Funes Mori alongside John Stones. There is also a spot at left-back for Bryan Oviedo, while Gerard Deulofeu and Arouna Kone will support lone forward Romelu Lukaku. Aaron Lennon and Steven Naismith are both on the bench for the hosts.
As for Sunderland, there are three full-backs in their first XI so the actual formation is unclear. One of Patrick Van Aanholt or DeAndre Yedlin will seemingly operate in a midfield role, while there is also a return to the team for Jermain Defoe, who will support Steven Fletcher in attack. Jack Rodwell and Jeremain Lens are both left on the bench, with Adam Johnson and Lee Cattermole selected in midfield.
So there we have it. The team news is in and we are now little over 45 minutes from kickoff at Goodison. Sunderland will have fond memories of their last trip to this stadium, with a 2-0 win igniting their fight against relegation last season. It is a fixture that the Black Cats have enjoyed in recent seasons, having only lost one of their last five matches with Everton, recording three wins in the process.
That 2-0 win for Sunderland in May also ended Everton's unbeaten home league record in 2015, but the Toffees have been far from strong on their own patch this term. In fact, Roberto Martinez's side have failed to win four of their five league games on home soil this season. Everton will also enter this match having lost their last two in the league (Manchester United and Arsenal) but they did beat Norwich City on penalties in the fourth round of the League Cup during the week.
Everton will have ambitions of a top-four challenge this season, but an underwhelming start to the season has left them in 12th position in the table. They have only won three of their 10 league fixtures this term and scored just 13 goals, which is far from European form. Incredibly, Martinez's side have also conceded the first goal in nine of their 13 matches in all competitions this season.
The hosts opened their Premier League season with a 2-2 draw at home to Watford, before beating Southampton and losing to Manchester City in their next two. Next came a draw with Tottenham Hotspur, before beating Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison. Their unbeaten run continued as they drew with Swansea, beat West Brom and drew with Liverpool, but they have lost their last two against Man United and Arsenal.
On paper at least, it has been a very tough opening 10 games, but their form over the last couple of weeks will have worried Martinez, who will be desperate to put three points on the board here, especially ahead of a difficult trip to a good West Ham team next weekend. Everton are the favourites for this match, but they have lost their last two home league games with Sunderland.
Martinez will not be looking for excuses, but Everton's squad has been depleted by injuries this season. Seamus Coleman is now back, but Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines remain on the sidelines, while a number of their key players have also missed important matches. As it stands, they are now eight points off fourth-place Manchester United, but just four points off sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur.
As for Sunderland, there is no question that morale has been boosted under Sam Allardyce. Dick Advocaat did not quite fancy a relegation battle and it is now over to Big Sam, who knows what it takes to get results in the Premier League, that is for sure. His first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion, but the Black Cats beat rivals Newcastle 3-0 last time out.
It would be fair to say that Sunderland were second best for long spells of the Newcastle game, but they managed to secure a massive three points and continue their strong record against their local rivals. For all the praise that came their way, they remain in the drop zone and will seemingly face another difficult campaign. Win here, however, and they will go above 17th-place Bournemouth.
Indeed, the win over Newcastle was their first in 13 top-flight games, losing seven of the previous 12. They will also enter this match having not scored in their last three Premier League away games, which will be a concern for Allardyce. Home form is important, but struggling teams have to find ways of picking up points on their travels. Pre-game preparations are well underway at Goodison...
Sunderland opened their 2015/16 Premier League season with a 4-2 defeat at Leicester, before losing 3-1 at home to Norwich. Back-to-back draws against Swansea and Aston Villa gave them some respite, but they then lost their next three to Tottenham, Bournemouth and Manchester United. At that point, cracks were showing with the management and they could not be repaired.
Sunderland managed to claim a point against West Ham at the start of October, but Advocaat still walked away from the club after their struggles in the early part of the campaign. Allardyce could not prevent the Black Cats losing at West Brom in his first game in charge, but the win over Newcastle moved the club off the bottom. Another win here would be massive. Kickoff is fast approaching now!
No game in the Premier League is easy - this season has shown that more than ever - but Sunderland's next four, including this one, are massive. Next week, they will host Southampton, before travelling to Crystal Palace and welcoming Stoke in their next two. Their run after that is pretty dire, with fixtures against Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool coming in quick succession.
PREDICTION! Score draw for me here. Everton have been a little bit disappointing this season, especially at home, and Sunderland will certainly have been boosted by their result against Newcastle. I am hoping for an open and entertaining contest, with the points ultimately shared in a 1-1 draw.
As expected, there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. The home supporters are expectant and want a response from back-to-back defeats. Sunderland, on the other hand, need to build on their win last time out. We are moments away from kickoff at Goodison Park.
KICKOFF! Perfect conditions for a game of football on Merseyside, with the pitch nice and crisp and conditions mild without being cold. It is the home team that get the first 45 minutes underway here...
... bright start from Everton as Coleman drives down the right before finding Deulofeu, but the Spaniard just loses control at the vital moment and Sunderland restart with a goal kick. You just get the feeling that the first goal here - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match.
It has been a decent start from both teams at Goodison, with Sunderland causing problems in the final third with the presence of Fletcher. A loose piece of defending from Coleman almost allows Defoe the chance to break into the penalty area, but Stones is across on the cover to clear the danger.
POST! He has hit the beans! Sunderland come close to taking the lead as a sweeping move leads to Fletcher playing in Van Aanholt, but the full-back's rasping strike rattles the post. Some effort!
Sunderland look in the mood this afternoon as they continue to move the ball with pace and purpose in the final third. Everton are taking a little bit of time to get into this game on home soil.
First half-chance for Everton as Lukaku finds a yard of space outside the box, but his effort was never troubling the Sunderland goalkeeper, who again looks long to Fletcher. The high pass into Fletcher is a clear tactic for the visitors in this match and why not? The Scot is excellent in the air.
The visitors continue to drive forward and again make good ground down the right, but Johnson's cross is straight into the arms of Howard. Barry is allowed to bring the ball into the Sunderland half moments later, but the midfielder cannot find a teammate. Moments later, Barkley finds space outside the box, but his low strike was always moving wide of the post. It is starting to bubble here!
I would be surprised if there were not goals this afternoon - neither defence has looked too secure in the opening 12 minutes, while both teams certainly have players capable of finding the target here.
CHANCE! Wonderful football from Everton as Lukaku links with McCarthy, but the return pass into the Republic of Ireland international is just too strong and Pantilimon is quick off his line to claim.
POST! Sunderland hit the post for the second time in this match following another quick counter. Defoe is involved as the striker brings a super stop from Howard and the rebound from Johnson strikes the post. The visitors are desperately unlucky not to be ahead in this game!
Everton look dangerous when they break forward, but there is no question that Sunderland have been the better team in the opening 17 minutes. They really should be ahead at this stage.
BOOKING! Defoe (Sunderland) is booked for delaying a quick free kick.
Coleman fires over the Sunderland crossbar as Everton break forward once again.
GOAL! Everton 1-0 Sunderland (Deulofeu)
Everton take the lead in the 19th minute as Deulofeu beats the offside trap before advancing into the box and poking his effort under the onrushing goalkeeper. It is very much against the run of play, but the Spaniard stayed cool under pressure to slot his first league goal of the campaign. Harsh on Sunderland!
Deulofeu is killing Sunderland down the right at the moment and the youngster finds more space following a sweeping pass from Barry, but Lukaku cannot convert a low cross from the goal-scorer.
SAVE! Everton break forward once again and it is Deulofeu that feeds Coleman this time, but his near-post effort is beaten away by Pantilimon. Sunderland need to be careful here!
Everton might be forced into an early change here as Oviedo leaves the field...
... Sunderland have a penalty shout as Fletcher's strike hits Barry, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh. Meanwhile, the home team are indeed preparing to make a change here.
EVERTON SUB! Galloway replaces Oviedo for the hosts.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Sunderland as Johnson takes advantage of a loose pass from Barry before attempting to bend one towards the far corner, but his effort was always moving wide.
You just get the feeling that Sunderland cannot afford to concede a second goal, but Everton are looking dangerous each time they move the ball in the final third. Allardyce will be pleased with his team's overall performance in the opening 30 minutes, but they trail to that Deulofeu effort.
GOAL! Everton 2-0 Sunderland (Kone)
Everton double their lead in the 31st minute as Kone plays a quick one-two with Lukaku before firing his effort into the top of the net. Super strike from Kone, but I am not sure about the defending!
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Sunderland are in big trouble having started so well. Lukaku is starting to cause problems with his presence in the final third and the Black Cats look so unsure in defensive areas. A third for Everton at this stage could mean game, set and match.
Sunderland's problems are mounting here as Cattermole goes down holding his right foot...
... Sunderland are going to have to make a change here as Cattermole shakes his head.
SUNDERLAND SUB! Former Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell replaces Cattermole.
Sunderland are at sixes and sevens at the back as Everton continue to press forward and Lukaku's presence is really unnerving the likes of Jones and Brown. The visitors are keeping with their three central defenders, but it is not really working at the moment. Still 2-0 to the home side at Goodison.
Coates chops Kone to the ground and Everton have a free kick in a very dangerous area...
... Barkley plays the ball short into Deulofeu, but Sunderland get men out to the ball and the danger is cleared. Lukaku manages to release a shot moments later, but Pantilimon is down to save.
Sunderland have not offered too much in the final third for the last 15, 20 minutes as Everton continue to look the most likely to add to the scoring. Sunderland started this game so well!
Three added minutes at the end of this first period.
Sunderland work the ball into the Everton box during a rare counter, but the final pass is once again lacking as a cross into Fletcher is far too high. Big half-time discussion needed for Sunderland.
Fletcher hits a tame effort into the arms of Howard as Sunderland enjoy a decent end to the half.
GOAL! Everton 2-1 Sunderland (Defoe)
What a time to do that! Sunderland are right back in this match as Defoe takes advantage of some poor defending from Everton to control and fire one into the top corner. It took a deflection off Stones, but it was still a super effort from the former England striker. Game on at Goodison!
HALF-TIME: Everton 2-1 Sunderland
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Everton leading Sunderland 2-1. It was the visitors that started the better, hitting the post twice during a strong opening 15 minutes. Goals from Deulofeu and Kone, however, saw Everton lead 2-0 approaching the break. Sunderland got back in it in the fourth minute of added time when Defoe found a way past Howard and we are now very delicately poised ahead of the second 45 minutes. Cracking half at Goodison here!
STATS! Everton have dominated the possession with 75%, while they have had nine attempts, five of which were on target. Sunderland, meanwhile, hit the target with four of their eight attempts in that first period. There has been just the one booking, with Defoe having his name taken for Sunderland.
BENCH WATCH! Both managers have already been forced into one change at Goodison, with Galloway replacing Oviedo for Everton and Rodwell replacing Cattermole for Sunderland. The home side have plenty of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Lennon, Mirallas and Naismith, while Sunderland have the likes of Graham, Larsson and Lens in reserve this afternoon.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. More of the same from the first please! It is Sunderland that restart proceedings in the second half...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 2-1 for the next 15, 20 minutes at Goodison.
It has been a decent start to the second period from Everton, with Barkley willing to run beyond the Sunderland defence, which is still playing with three centre-backs. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match - it is much more open than I anticipated prior to kickoff on Merseyside.
GOAL! Everton 2-2 Sunderland (Fletcher)
All square! Sunderland equalise in the 50th minute as Van Aanholt picks out the head of Fletcher with a searching cross and the striker directs his effort into the bottom corner. It was a super rise from the Scot, who bullied his opposing centre-back. What a turn-up from 2-0 down here!
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Sunderland as Defoe slides a super pass into Johnson, who cuts a cross back towards Fletcher, but it just does not reach the Scot, who would have had the simple task of firing home from close range. Everton are all at sea in defensive areas here!
BOOKING! Stones (Everton) is booked for a late challenge on M'Vila.
PENALTY SHOUT! Deulofeu goes down inside the Sunderland box under pressure from Jones, but the referee is not interested. It would have been harsh, but there was contact from the defender!
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as Defoe tests Howard from distance, before Kone fires wide down the other end. A yellow card is now coming out for Deulofeu...
... BOOKING! Deulofeu (Everton) is booked for dissent.
GOAL! Everton 3-2 Sunderland (Coates OG)
The game swings back towards Everton! The hosts regain the lead as Deulofeu's super cross towards Lukaku is turned into his own net by Coates. Good grief what a game at Goodison!
There are more goals in this game, surely. Sunderland are flooding men forward and Everton do not look comfortable at the back. The same can be said for the visitors under pressure here!
BOOKING! Confirmation of a booking for Rodwell (Sunderland).
Still more than 30 minutes of this game remaining when taking into account added time at the end of the 90. Both teams have had 10 attempts and I would be surprised if that did not rise as the game progresses here. A super through pass from Barry just evades the run of Galloway in the Sunderland box.
GOAL! Everton 4-2 Sunderland (Lukaku)
Everton score their fourth as Lukaku collects a super through pass from Deulofeu before rounding the onrushing goalkeeper and finishing into the back of the net. Lukaku simply had too much pace for Brown, who could not match the Belgian. Sunderland are all over the place at the back here.
GOAL! Everton 5-2 Sunderland (Kone)
Oh my word - Everton have their fifth and it is again terrible defending from Sunderland. A quick counter from the hosts leads to McCarthy sliding a pass into Kone, who finds the far corner from a difficult angle. Very good work from the hosts, but the defending was so awful from the visitors.
SUNDERLAND SUB! Larsson replaces Yedlin for the visitors.
EVERTON SUB! Deulofeu is replaced by Kevin Mirallas.
Possession football for Everton at the moment as they frustrate Sunderland.
Kone is pushed to the ground inside the penalty box as the hosts claim for a spot kick, but the referee is not interested. Sunderland look to be short of energy as we approach the 70th minute.
Allardyce might be regretting his decision to pick a back three for this match, with Brown, Coates and Jones all struggling in this set-up. It is the home side that continue to pass and probe in the final third and there is certainly time for more goals at Goodison. What a game it has been here!
Everton threaten a sixth as Mirallas drives into the Sunderland box before rounding Pantilimon, but there are enough defenders in the middle to clear the danger. The full-time whistle cannot come quick enough for the Black Cats as the home side continue to dominate events at Goodison.
SUNDERLAND SUB! Duncan Watmore replaces Fletcher.
GOAL! Everton 6-2 Sunderland (Kone)
Sensational sixth Everton goal here! Lukaku finds all sorts of space down the right before curling a beautiful cross onto the head of Kone, who angles his effort past the watching goalkeeper. Kone and Lukaku have been just devastating in this game and Sunderland have taken a hiding at Goodison.
EVERTON SUB! Lukaku is replaced by Leon Osman.
Sunderland are all over the place at the back, as they have been for much of this second period. It seems a long time ago that Fletcher levelled the scores early in this half. So much has happened!
Incidentally, this result is going to move Everton into the top half of the table, while Sunderland will remain in 19th position. The Black Cats have a half-chance to score a third as Watmore shows wonderful feet in a wide area before crossing into Larsson, but Everton have bodies back.
Watmore again shows his tenacity to break into the Everton box, but Stones is across to clear.
Little under five minutes of football remaining and Everton are keeping possession in their own half. This has been much more like it from Martinez's side, but for Sunderland, it is back to the drawing board as they attempt to climb up the table. Three central defenders has not worked here.
Mirallas just whistles one wide of the post as Everton come close to scoring a seventh here. Sunderland cannot wait for the final whistle here and fortunately, it is not too far away now.
CHANCE! Watmore comes close to grabbing a third for Sunderland after breaking through on goal, but his effort is straight at Howard. Watmore has been excellent since coming on!
Three added minutes to be played here.
BOOKING! Galloway (Everton) is booked for a late challenge on Larsson.
Watmore only came off the bench for Sunderland in the 75th minute, but looks their best player at the moment. It is Sunderland probing as we approach the full-time whistle on Merseyside.
FULL-TIME: Everton 6-2 Sunderland
So there we have it. Kone scores a hat-trick as Everton thump Sunderland 6-2 in the Premier League to move into the top half of the table. What an afternoon of football at Goodison Park! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
