Everton picked up their fourth victory in five Premier League matches by seeing off Bournemouth 6-3 in a thrilling encounter at Goodison Park.

Ronald Koeman’s men raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time thanks to a brace from Romelu Lukaku and a James McCarthy strike, although Eddie Howe’s Cherries hit back in the second half to reduce the arrears to 3-2.

However, two more Lukaku goals and a Ross Barkley strike ended any hopes of a Bournemouth comeback on Merseyside, with Harry Arter’s 90th minute goal nothing more than a consolation for the Cherries.

It was a win that consolidated Everton’s position in seventh, five points behind Manchester United, and it also continued their fine run of form, as they are now unbeaten in seven Premier League matches, of which they have won five.

And, with Merseyside rivals Liverpool losing at Hull, the gap between the two sides is now just six points, so Koeman’s men may fancy their chances of securing a European spot come the end of the season.

They’ve certainly got the players to do it, so here are TWO that must start every game between now and May to help Everton get into Europe…

Ross Barkley

Despite an indifferent first half of the season, Ross Barkley’s form since Everton’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on December 13 has been much-improved and key to their consolidation of seventh in the table.

The England international grabbed an assist in that victory, and has since netted twice and laid on three assists in six Premier League starts to help Koeman’s men open up a four-point lead over West Brom in eighth.

However, it’s not just been his contributions which have been impressive, Barkley has grown in confidence and is relishing his role in the front three, with his link-up play with Romelu Lukaku particularly good in recent weeks.

When Barkley has the freedom to express himself in the final third, he’s an excellent player, so keeping him in this form and confident mood will be crucial if Everton are to reel in the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United to finish in the European spots.

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku became the Premier League’s top-scorer over the weekend after his four goals took his tally to 16 for the season, one clear of Diego Costa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Alexis Sanchez.

This makes it all the more obvious how integral he is to this Everton team.

The Belgian international has directly contributed to 20 of their 40 league goals this season, and when the Toffees’ next top-scorer is Ross Barkley with five, it goes to show how reliant they are on the 23-year-old to get their goals.

However, it’s a pressure Lukaku has seamlessly dealt with in recent seasons, as many felt that his 18 Premier League goals last term were the chief reason that they weren’t in a relegation battle, given that they finished 11th in the table, and just ten points clear of danger.

He’s in great form, having netted seven times already in 2017, so keeping him fit between now and May will be key if Koeman’s men are to upset the odds and secure a European place.