On the whistle match report practice - Everton 3-0 Arsenal

Lukaku's individual goal doubled the Everton lead

A Romelu Lukaku-inspired Everton moved to within a point of Arsenal in the race for the final Champions League spot with victory over the Gunners in the Barclays Premier League.

Lukaku was involved in man of the match Steven Naismith’s opener at Goodison Park as his shot was saved, and the Belgian doubled the lead before half time with his fifth goal in seven games.

A Mikel Arteta own-goal on the hour mark condemned Arsenal to a fourth league game in a row without a win, but they were able to involve Aaron Ramsey for the first time this year

Everton have a game in hand, and could move above Arsenal with a point against Sunderland next Saturday, as the Toffees’ goal difference is now superior.

Everton started quickly and this was typified by Leon Osman who came close to opening the scoring, got booked for a late challenge and went off injured, all in the opening ten minutes.

In the 14^th minute, Everton’s fast start paid off. Lukaku controlled Leighton Baines’ low ball from the left, his low drive was saved well by Wojciech Szczesny, but Naismith guided in the rebound first time.

It was two in the 34^th minute. Kevin Mirallas found Lukaku on the right wing, who darted inside onto his favoured left foot, beating Thomas Vermaelen, before firing low beyond Szczesny for his 13^th league goal of the season.

Arsenal’s misery was complete when Naismith who ran in behind the Arsenal defence, Szczesny closed down his effort, and as Mirallas looked set to score the rebound, Arteta stretched out a boot but could only turn it into his own net.