A relatively comfortable win for Everton who had Mikel Arteta to thank for creating both goals.It’s back to the drawing board for Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate whose side now face back-to-back games against Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd.

A standing ovation from home supporters as Arteta leaves the field to be replaced by Lee Carsley.

Man of the match Arteta is just denied a chance as Taylor intercepts a dangerous ball into the Spanish midfielder.

A good cross from Young is headed straight at Howard from 12 yards out by 'Boro youngster Craddock .

The game is drifting to a close as Everton look to secure a vital three points that will see them go fifth in the Premiership table.

It looks like David Moyes is happy with two goals as he takes off forward McFadden for defender Joseph Yobo.

Arteta is running the midfield now for Everton and 'Boro are almost out of time in this game.

Sub Riggott slots into the back four as the tall Wheater pushes up front for Middlesbrough.

A strange decision by 'Boro boss Gareth Southgate who replaces striker Lee with centre-back Chris Riggott.

Boateng brings down Arteta but the Everton midfielder's free kick is cleared by Wheater.

It looks like Everton are cruising now and will go fifth if they can close out the win.

The ineffectual Yakubu is replaced by Victor Anichebe for Everton.

Downing tries to make inroads into the Everton box but Jagielka steals the ball away.

Mido appears to be carrying an unjury and is replaced by youngster Tom Craddock.

Good effort by Mido who swivels to smash a shot just over the Everton bar.

Lovely goal by Everton as Arteta dinks a cross into the box for Pienaar to slide home for his first goal for the club.

Good work by Baines who nudges O'Neil off the ball as he tries his luck from distance.

Lee picks up a booking for a rash challenge on Lescott.

Mido does well to chest the ball back to Lee but he screws his shot wide of the target.

Slick move by Everton as Arteta and Pienaar combine well but the South African's cross goes straight to Schwarzer.

Yakubu is having a poor game against his former employers and the Everton fans are letting him know it.

Rochemback is the third 'Boro player to be booked after he gestures to the ref to book an Everton player.

The second half gets under way and Neville hits a shot that bounces several times before rolling into the arms of Schwarzer.

The home side go in at the break one up after Lescott's early header but Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate will rue three missed chanes by his side.

Lovely skill from Arteta as he checks inside the Middlesbrough defence and hits a good shot that Schwarzer saves at the second attempt.

Mido goes into the book for a foul on Lescott.

Good save from Schwarzer from McFadden's effort.

Everton fans scream for a penalty as Pienaar's cross hits a Middlesbrough hand but the ref waves play on.

Another good chance as Hibbert swings in a lovely cross for Everton but Pienaar can't direct his header on target.

O'Neil nearly breaks the offside trap for a one-on-one but Stubbs just steps up in time.

Stubbs does well to clear a dangerous cross into the box from Mido.

Bad challenge by O'Neil who crashes into Pienaar and is the first into the ref's notebook.

Superb save from Schwarzer who claws out Arteta's swerving shot.

Referee Mike Riley warns Yakubu as the striker trys to con the official with a dive.

Yakubu hits a volley from outside the area but he can't get enough power on the shot and Schwarzer saves easily.

Everton are on the back foot as Middlesbrough pass the ball confidently in midfield.

Middlesbrough could easily be winning the game but they haven't taken any of three excellent chances.

Great chance for Middlesbrough and they should be level but Lee can only hit the crossbar from Young's excellent cross.

Stubbs and Lescott wait as Arteta delivers a free kick into the Middlesbrough box but Schwarzer collects well.

Schwarzer collects easily as Lescott waits in the Middlesbrough box.

Yakubu should have scored against his old club but the Nigerian heads Baines' cross over from 6 yards out.

Chance for Mido who finds some space in the Everton box but his shot is charged down by Stubbs.

Downing makes a surging run into the Everton half and his cross is knocked out for a corner.

Poor cross by Arteta who can only find Schwarzer from a good position.

McFadden tries his luck from outside the area but the ball goes harmlessly wide of the target.

Solid save by Howard as O'Neil tries to force the ball home from Mido's knock down.

It looks like Middlesbrough may be forced to make an early change as Boateng is limping.

Yakubu's effort is cleared off the line but Lescott is in the right place to head home.

Great chance for Boateng who misses the target after a good ball in by Lee.

Hibbert hits a hopeful ball into the Middlesbrough box looking for Pienaar but Schwarzer collects easily.

First chance of the game as Arteta takes a knock down from Yakubu but blazes over.

Downing cuts inside and finds Mido but the striker can't control the pass.

The game kicks off with both teams looking for three points to get their seasons up and running

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Taylor, O'Neil, Boateng, Rochemback, Downing, Mido, Lee. Subs: Jones, Riggott, Cattermole, Hines, Craddock.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Stubbs, Baines, Arteta, Jagielka, Neville, Pienaar, McFadden, Yakubu. Subs: Wessels, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Carsley, Anichebe.

For Middlesbrough George Boateng replaces the injured Julio Arca while Dong-Gook Lee comes in for Tuncay Sanli

Ayegbeni Yakubu returns for Everton as he prepares to face his former club. Mikel Arteta also starts after recovering from an ankle injury.