Everton manager Roberto Martinez has praised the way that his side attacked during their 6-2 victory over Sunderland this afternoon.

The hosting Toffees took a 2-0 lead at Goodison Park, only to be pegged back by strikes from Sunderland's Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher either side of the break.

However, a Sebastian Coates own goal, a strike from Romelu Lukaku and a brace from Arouna Kone - which completed the Ivorian's hat-trick - sealed the convincing winning margin for Martinez's men.

"Our attacking play was exceptional. Sunderland came here to be difficult to breakdown. The way we did it was impressive," he told reporters.

With regards to three-goal Kone, Martinez added: "You have to believe you can be important to a football club and Arouna has always had that self-belief. His attitude has been excellent."

The three points have lifted the Toffees up to eighth position in the Premier League table.