Everton boss David Moyes hailed Louis Saha after victory over Blackpool.
It was the first four goal haul in the league at Goodison since Joe Royle matched the feat against Southampton in November 1971, and the first by any Blues player since Graeme Sharp hit four, again against Saints, back in October 1987.
Moyes said: "Louis is just a top player, where do you start when talking about a performance like that?
"Anyone who has played against him, played with him or managed him will tell you about his ability. That is why he has been involved in French teams and World Cup teams and so on.
"He has not shown it as often as he could have done but his performance today was right up there with the very best. Not just his goals, but the way he led the line. The crowd loved it and it was something to witness today."
