Certainly, Moyes admits realistic hopes of Champions League qualification ended with the damaging 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth a fortnight ago.

The immediate Premier League focus is now on ensuring their efforts are rewarded by a third successive top-six showing at the very least.

And if Wigan are among the best of the chasing pack, this evidence suggests there is little chance of Everton surrendering that hard-earned reward.

This performance was as impressive as the showing in the 1-0 defeat at the JJB Stadium in November was dismal.

About the only highlight for the visitors yesterday were those in Paul Scharner’s hair, a shocking barnet which even Marouane Fellaini – afro back on show – would frown upon.

Fellaini was one of several Everton players to shine, the Belgian contributing to all four goals and rediscovering a verve that has been missing in recent weeks.

Steven Pienaar also excelled, but the stellar performer was Leon Osman, the Billinge-born midfielder perpetual motion and, as Moyes later revealed, benefiting from no longer being hampered by niggling injury.

In mitigation, Everton’s midfield domination was aided by Wigan’s seeming reluctance to tackle, their preparations disrupted by on-loan Egyptian striker Amr Zaki going AWOL once again.

But it was high praise when Latics manager Steve Bruce declared Everton’s performance as the best a side had played against Wigan this season.

It’s a sign of the improvement in Everton’s fortunes one again this season that, speaking in his programme notes, Phil Neville made note of Finch Farm resembling a ghost town during the recent international break.

Tim Cahill, having been at the centre of a minor fitness rumpus while on Australia duty, returned to the starting line-up after missing the Fratton Park setback for his 150th Everton start.