Hairdryer on full blast as Keane's Black Cats are ripped apart by Everton

The dire consequences of falling short in Fergie's eyes were evident enough from his 'hairdryer' nickname, but even he can seldom have attracted the attention of the local constabulary with one of his post-match rants.

Scroll down for more

Keane's inquest into Sunderland defensive failings was approaching the hour mark when a police officer hovering outside decided it was time to intervene.

Taking courage in both hands, he knocked on the door and announced Sunderland were in danger of missing the police escort for their team bus.

If there were shades of Fergie about the intensity of Keane's reaction to such extreme adversity, there was more besides to suggest he has the appetite and aptitude to halt an alarming decline.

The chastening experience of shipping seven goals might have persuaded most managers to skip the media conference, but Keane did not duck a single question.

By the time he had finished, nearly 15 minutes later, any fears that he might consider a grim survival fight an unwanted aggravation, after chasing trophies and titles throughout his playing days, had been firmly dispelled.

"There will be a few sleepless nights for all of us after this, but no one should question whether I'm up for the challenge," he said.

"Of course I am. That is why I took the job.

"I knew there would be setbacks, and there is no doubt this is a test of me as much as anyone.

"I take full responsibility, but I am comfortable with that.

"Football has a habit of kicking you in the teeth. We have seen that with other managers this week, and today is my turn.

"It hurts like hell, but I will gauge how people I have admired would have reacted and go about it in the same positive way.

"Time will tell how it has affected morale but you judge players by their actions, and they are going to have to show what they are about."

For all Keane's customary defiance, Sunderland's deficiencies could hardly have been more glaring as Everton repeatedly tore them apart.

No one suffered more than Paul McShane, who either could have done better or was downright culpable for five of Everton's goals.

Formerly of Manchester United, the hapless Republic of Ireland defender could soon be once of Sunderland after rounding off his personal horror show by allowing Andy Johnson to hold him off in the chase for a long through ball to score Everton's sixth.

With Mikel Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman all dazzling and Ayegbeni Yakubu and Tim Cahill underlining their scoring prowess with two goals apiece, Everton are about more than just honest endeavour these days.

Manager David Moyes still prefers workers to shirkers, but there is an abundance of flair and a strength in depth that Phil Neville hasn't seen since his time at Old Trafford.

"When the manager named the team, I looked round at some of the players who hadn't even made the bench and it was frightening," he said.

"If lads like James McFadden, Leighton Baines and Alan Stubbs aren't even among the subs, you know you've got to perform.

"For the first time since I arrived, there is real competition for places right through the side."

LION CUBS

VICTOR ANICHEBE (Everton) is yet to choose between Nigeria and England. Still raw, at 19, but powerful and already a handful for defenders, although he was given only a few minutes to enjoy this goal feast. Grant Leadbitter (Sunderland) has recently broken into the Under-21 squad, but this was not one of his better days, in common with the rest of his team. Should have scored with a first-half header.