Lukaku strikes again

Cape Town - Romelu Lukaku continued his rich vein of form in front of goal, netting the second of Everton's goals in a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunderland at Goodison Park.

After a measured start to the game Idrissa Gueye gave the home fans a sign of what was to come as he scythed through the Sunderland defence before hitting a low drive at goal, but it was kept out by a sharp save from Jordan Pickford.

The Senegalese midfielder was not to be denied however, and got on the end of a Seamus Coleman cross to produce a stunning volley into the roof of the net to break the deadlock in the 40th minute.

They almost went two up seconds before half time through Ross Barkley, but his strike was also denied by Pickford, before Tom Davies hit the post moments later.

After the break it was more of the same as the home side looked to put the game to bed. Kevin Mirallas flashed a shot inches wide before Barkley disappointing skied one over the bar.

Sunderland best chance of the game fell to Jermain Defoe in the 78th minute, with the former England international striker skinning two defenders before unleashed an unstoppable drive goalward. Unfortunately for the away side, it went crashing into the crossbar.

Everton took heed of the warning shot and finally managed to double their lead two minutes later. Lukaku showed his skill to beat the defence with a great solo run before sliding the ball past Pickford.