After their 7-1 victory over Sunderland, Mikel Arteta says Everton's squad depth is key to their success this season.

The quality of the players left out of the starting XI on Saturday - including the likes of Leighton Baines, James McFadden and James Vaughan - underlines the strength in depth of the Blues squad according to Arteta.

"We've got some terrific players on the bench and in the stands as well - so there's some hard decisions for the manager," he told evertonfc.com.

"Because we are all in really good condition and fitness is at a really good level, so we hope we can keep the run going. Everyone in the squad is going to be really important."

And the inspirational midfielder is hoping to continue the fine run of form against high flying Pompey at Fratton Park.

He added: "Confidence is probably higher than it's been since I've been here and we're playing a different way as well."