Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has praised the patient approach his side adopted during their 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Toffees are now unbeaten in four matches in all competitions, but despite the hefty scoreline they were made to work hard by a Villa side desperate for points at the wrong end of the table.

Barkley opened the scoring for the hosts on 17 minutes and the England international admitted after that game that he was pleased with the way his side dealt with the defensive approach of the visitors.

He said: “We showed how good a team we are. We knew from the start that Aston Villa would get men behind the ball but we showed good patience, defended really well and scored four goals from open play.”

Barkley grabbed a second before half-time after Romelu Lukaku had doubled their advantage, with the Belgium international also on target after the break.

The 21-year-old has now scored five league goals for the Blues this season, as well as finding the back of the net twice for the national team, and he believes he is currently playing the best football of his career.

He continued: “I have taken my form from the internationals into this game and I’m buzzing with my goals. I’m enjoying the best football of my career and to get two goals was a bonus.”

Roberto Martinez’ side are now up to seventh in the league standings and they will be eager to continue with their upward trajectory in their next match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium next Saturday.

The Merseysiders are the 2.30 favourites to secure a victory in the match, whilst the Cherries are available at 3.00 and the draw is on offer at 3.40.