Toffees ensure sticky start for Sbragia

Everton beat Sunderland 3-0 as Ricky Sbragia's first match in full-time charge of the Black Cats ended in defeat at Goodison Park here on Sunday.

Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta scored twice as the Toffees followed-up their Boxing Day win over Middlesbrough with a victory that left them sixth in the Premier League and challenging for a European spot.

Arteta put Everton in front with a 10th minute free-kick and added a second 17 minutes later when he followed-up after another set-piece was blocked.

Teenage substitute Dan Gosling ensured an unhappy journey back to the north-east for Sunderland with Everton's third seven minutes from time.

It was another impressive display by the Merseysiders, still without a recognised striker because of injuries.

Everton went ahead when Arteta's dipping 25-yard free-kick gave Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop little chance.

The Hungarian was beaten again when a free-kick from Arteta, awarded following a foul by Steed Malbranque on South African international Steven Pienaar, was blocked only for Arteta himself to score from the rebound with the help of a deflection off Teemu Tainio.

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill, usually on target when heading from close-range, missed a chance to make it 3-0 when he somehow nodded another Arteta free-kick wide.

It wasn't until the 65th minute that Sunderland finally tested Everton 'keeper Tim Howard when substitute Carlos Edwards, a half-time replacement for Malbranque, shot from 20 yards.

But the 18-year-old Gosling made it 3-0 when he side-footed in a cross from Joleon Lescott and there was still time for Pienaar to nearly add a fourth goal to Everton's tally.