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Yakubu's hat-trick helped Everton comprehensively despatch SK Brann to book a last 16 clash with Fiorentina.

Already leading 2-0 from the first leg in Norway, the Blues patiently and professionally compiled a 6-1 home win that extends their European record to seven consecutive victories.

Yakubu's treble - his second since joining the club - added to two goals from Andrew Johnson and a Mikel Arteta strike, with both forwards excelling throughout.

Needing to score early, Brann started the brighter and in the seventh minute Njogu Demba-Nyren was clean through, before the alert Lee Carsley intervened.

Then, a couple of minutes later, Petter Vaagen Moen's angled drive was saved by Tim Howard before the Blues sparked into action.


Yakubu and AJ celebrate
Midway through the half Yakubu's cross-shot curled harmlessly wide of the upright.

Brann's main striker Thostein Helstad scuffed a free kick into the side netting, but seconds later the Toffees were ahead when Yakubu stylishly curled Tim Cahill's clever flick into the back of the net.

With Everton increasing the tempo, Carsley fired over from 35 yards before Andrew Johnson put the tie beyond any doubt.

His 41st minute strike fizzed past Hakon Opdal after the striker created half a yard of space for himself on the edge of the box.

Perhaps with Manchester City on Monday in mind, David Moyes made changes at the break, with Manuel Fernandes and Tony Hibbert replacing Cahill and Carsley.


Mikel Arteta carefully watches Brann's Petter Vaagan
Phil Neville shifted to central midfield and his first act in his new position was to release Johnson through on goal.

It looked as though the striker would double his haul, but the ball came back off the post with Opdal beaten.

Another lovely move involving Steven Pienaar and Johnson saw the ball roll just past the onrushing Yakubu who would surely have scored from six yards out.

Even Joleon Lescott found himself sufficiently advanced to unleash a 25-yard drive that was over the bar.


Steven Pienaar tussles with Jan Gunnar Solli
With Brann pushing forward, Everton got their third in the 55th minute. Pienaar picked out Yakubu, and the Nigerian's dummy left two defenders seated as he placed the ball into the corner of the net.

The visitors got themselves on the scoresheet when Vaagen Moen's long range free kick bobbled over the hand of a bemused Howard with half an hour left.

Brann, seemingly enjoying a second wind went close through Vaagen Moen again and Helstad, though neither player could force a save from the USA stopper.

Next it was Everton's turn to benefit from a slice of luck, when Arteta's 70th minute effort took a big deflection which wrongfooted the unfortunate Opdal and made the score 4-1.

Then Yakubu completed his hat trick two minutes later!

He sidefooted home Pienaar's cross and was immediately replaced by Victor Anichebe - the £11.25million striker receiving a huge ovation from the crowd.

There was still time for the South African to go close twice - even hitting the post on one of those occasions - before Johnson emphatically drew proceedings to a close.

His injury time rocket from 25 yards was a fitting end to a superb Everton display.

What a result. Missed the game because I was in work .. Seen the goals and the teams play looks great, keeping it on the floor and playing attractive football. With AJ having Yakubu alongside him they complement each other well.
Great hattrick for Yakubu, only the 3rd ever Everton player to do this in Europe.