The DR Congo global terrorised Sunderland right back Javi Manquillo throughout the second half, and laid on an inch-perfect cross for Lukaku to head the ball home for his second goal. I could have scored five.
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Former Chelsea striker Lukaku completed his 11-minute treble moments later as he clinically swept past Pickford after being released by Kevin Mirallas following a slick Everton move.
“I think that is a realistic target and we showed that in the second half but if we play like the the first half then we will be 13th or 14th place. I have to be more of a serial killer for the team to achieve their objective”.
Koeman, who had been less than happy with his side’s first-half display, was delighted with the response to his half-time instructions, and challenged them to aim for European qualification this season.
“At half time I told the players I was really angry about our team. If it wasn’t for the hat-trick, I think Bolasie might have been man of the match”, he added.
Lukaku ended a personal run of 1,139 minutes without a competitive goal to lift Everton up to third but Moyes couldn’t believe the hand Sunderland’s defence gave him to recapture his scoring touch.
‘It is unbelievable how good he can be and of course strikers need to score goals. We defended well but on the ball we lost the ball too many times.
“I did not have doubts. It wasn’t as good as we wanted”, he told Sky Sports.
“The hat-trick was important for the boy because the press has been talking about the long time where he didn’t score for Everton and I said to Romelu, the best answer is always on the pitch and gave that answer tonight”.
“But we’re training every day with them, so we’re trying to explain to them how to adapt, how to play, and they’re taking it very well”.
Supposedly, Belgium players based in the north-west had organised a private plane to bring them back after their match in Cyprus on Tuesday, but the Merseyside outfit refused to reimburse their forward the £6,500 price.
“Our ball possession was poor [but] you saw the difference in the second half”.
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Lukaku had the best chance of a frenetic first-half where both sides showed a willingness to attack but conjured up few opportunities. Off the ball he is quiet and takes up good positions and he’s really that key player in the midfield that you need.
