Saturday 25 February 2017 18:59, UK
Ronald Koeman hailed Everton's midfield strength after they beat Sunderland 2-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Idrissa Gueye and Romelu Lukaku got the goals for the Toffees to stretch their unbeaten run in the Premier League to nine matches.
And it was Gueye - signed last summer from Aston Villa - and Morgan Schneiderlin - signed in January from Manchester United - who stood out for the home side.
"It's a really strong midfield, and we have a lot of competition," Everton manager Koeman told Sky Sports. "(James) McCarthy and Gareth Barry were not starting, and it's nice to have those kind of options. It's really strong.
"You saw the quality of Morgan Schneiderlin today and Gana (Gueye) is back from the Africa Cup of Nations with good fitness and showing a high level."
Gueye gave Everton the lead shortly before half-time, but the visitors threatened a comeback in the second half and went close to equalising when Jermain Defoe saw a shot hit the bar and bounce down on the line.
"The problem in the second half was we dropped a bit of tempo and did not play more forward," said Koeman. "Every ball was backwards and then you give them the feeling that maybe they can get a point.
Everton's unbeaten record will be put to the test over the next few weeks as their next three away games see them go to Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United.
But Koeman said: "What we need to do is go game by game and prepare ourselves for the next one, which is difficult.
"We want to try to win and keep pressure on the teams above us, that's all we can do."
