THE post-match talk, predictably, focused on the international claims of the man who finished off Fulham.
Two goals, one a sublime chip, the other a penalty from a kick he won himself, plus a deftly cushioned assist for a third goal, meant that James Beattie deserved the plaudits.
But it was the international claims of the man who fashioned the onesided romp over Fulham which were ignored once again - as they have been all season by his country.
There isn't a more consistently creative midfielder in Britain right now than Mikel Arteta. Yet Spanish coach Luis Aragones believes there are two better players here on Merseyside.
The supremely gifted Xabi Alonso has not repeated his imperious form of last season. Luis Garcia has been peripheral and poor. Yet both were in the Spanish side which edged out Ivory Coast recently, while Arteta sat at home wondering what he's doing wrong.
There is certainly nothing wrong with the quality of his play at present.
The closest Evertonians have come to a school of science footballer since Peter Beardsley enjoyed a top flight swansong more than a decade ago, he has produced two top class performances in a not entirely comfortable left flank role.
The reliable artisans of Stubbs, Hibbert and Neville gave the artists the platform on which to flourish -and Arteta sparkled.
Alan Irvine, no stranger to a little wing wizardry himself in the past, was asked afterwards if he could find the words to describe Arteta's dis-play.
Irvine enthused: "He was outstanding today, absolutely outstanding. He has been playing very well, but today was one of the best performances that I have seen for a long time.
"I don't know if he made a mistake all day. He was terrific from start to finish."
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