Everton assistant boss Steve Round says Mikel Arteta is back to his best.

"Mikel was struggling towards the end of last season with an injury and he had an operation in the summer to get over it," said the former England coach.

"Now he is coming back to the levels of technical ability and quality he has, his talent has never been in doubt and he is dictating the game now for us.

"We are in a good position to challenge and we are going into the new year on a good run of form.

"Playing without a striker means that you do get a rotation from the midfield players. Fellaini has been fantastic, dropping into dangerous areas and switching with Cahill.

"They have alternated up front, and other midfield players have been taking the chance to get in behind them.

"It is difficult for the opposition to mark players when they are rotating positions like they are. There is intelligence in our play now."