On-loan striker Enner Valencia may yet have a significant part to play in the remainder of Everton's season after choosing the new year to provide a reminder of his qualities.
The home game with Southampton appeared to be drifting towards a dreary goalless draw until the Ecuador international's introduction just past the hour.
He scored the opening goal, won a penalty for the second and was generally bright throughout in the 3-0 win with all the goals coming in the final 17 minutes.
Valencia arrived on loan from West Ham on the final day of the summer transfer window but it was the reopening of it in January - with Ronald Koeman looking to considerably strengthen his squad over the next month - which sparked his best performance and a first goal after making just 12 appearances, most as a substitute.