Everton bounced back from conceding an early goal against visitors Fulham with a dominant display which ended in a deserved 4-1 win for the Merseysiders yesterday.
Ahead of the weekend's remaining fixtures, the result moved David Moyes' side up two places to fifth in the Premiership and insight of European football next season.
Fulham, who were largely outclassed in a pulsating encounter despite taking an early lead through defender Carlos Bocanegra, went one place in the other direction, dropping to 15th.
Chris Coleman's side are only four points better off than third-from-bottom Sheffield United and could soon find themselves fighting relegation.
They had a great start at Goodison Park when Bocanegra struck the simplest of goals in the 22nd minute - heading in a cross provided by former Everton winger Simon Davies.
However, Everton went in for the break 3-1 ahead after Lee Carsley side-footed a neat equaliser and Alan Stubbs rose to meet a corner to head past flailing keeper Antii Niemi.
Everton's James Vaughan handed the hosts their third on the stroke of halftime, and another teenager, Victor Anichebe, rifled home the fourth soon after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Stars for Everton included Spanish midfielder Mikael Arteta who provided the ball for three of the four goals and Vaughan.
Still only 18, Vaughan became Everton's youngest-ever player and scorer at 16 years and 271 days. However, he then lost 14 months of his career to a serious knee injury but is now reminding fans of that early potential with his determination and selfless running.
Moyes later indicated that European football was now in Everton's sights. But the Scot offered a word of consolation to under-pressure Fulham manager Coleman.
"All credit to Fulham. They made it difficult in the second half, and it was only when we got the fourth goal that we began to feel comfortable," said Moyes.
