The mercurial Robbie Savage inspired Birmingham City to their highest scoring win in the Premiership against a depressing Everton at St Andrew's.
Savage was involved in all three of Birmingham's goals as he exposed Everton's woeful defence which must give manager David Moyes nightmares every time he watches his rearguard.
Birmingham increased their unbeaten run to six games and moved into eighth position but Everton are still without a win after seven league and cup games.
Ironically, their last win was a 1-0 home success over Birmingham on December 28 but there was little chance of them achieving the double as the Blues were in complete charge from start to finish.
The industrious Savage, later replaced by Christophe Dugarry, covered more ground than any other player and he was rewarded with his involvement in Birmingham's three goals.
Birmingham certainly answered recent criticism with a positive start which resulted in them taking an eighth minute lead against a leaky Everton defence.
Savage produced a weak corner on the right and the ball was half-cleared to the waiting Damien Johnson who produced a speculative shot from 25 yards which crept through the Everton rearguard and into the far corner of the net.
As against Manchester United at the weekend, the Everton defence was far from secure against the raids often inspired by Stan Lazaridis.
The Australian cashed in on the space accorded to him in the 39th minute with a superb second goal.
Lazaridis collected a pass from Savage well inside his own half and then raced unchecked towards the Everton goal. He veered to his left and then unleashed a spectacular left-footed shot past Nigel Martyn.
Everton's main threat once again came from corners and the towering presence of Duncan Ferguson. They had nine in the first half but failed to open their account in this period.
Surprisingly very little was seen of Everton's golden boy, Wayne Rooney, against a Birmingham defence boosted by the return of Matthew Upson in a left-back role.
Birmingham's domination was demonstrated early in the second half when Everton's defence was again penetrated with comparative ease.
Another quick pass from Savage found the unmarked Mikael Forssell and the Finn smartly hammered his shot past the helpless Martyn in the 49th minute to seal a comfortable home win.
Everton were fortunate they did not concede an even heavier defeat as Forssell and Bryan Hughes both hit the woodwork in the second period.