David Moyes says Everton striker Jermaine Beckford is learning

Beckford scored twice at the weekend (Getty Images)

Everton manager David Moyes believes striker Jermaine Beckford is showing that he can step up to Premier League level after his double gave the Toffees a 2-0 win over Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Beckford moved to Merseyside from Leeds on a free transfer last summer but initially appeared to struggle with the transition from League One to the top flight.

But his double against the Black Cats took his tally to eight for the season, and moved Everton into the top half of the table for the first time this campaign.

Moyes said: "When we brought him to the club the idea was we brought him on slowly and we had to put him in a bit too early.

"But I always thought if he got his chance and played some games he would get goals and he is proving that.

"If you move up the divisions you have to try to compete with better players.

"The defenders are better, they are stronger, faster and have better concentration. You have to move up and learn that.

"It has been a big step up for him - it is for any player to jump up two divisions - and it was going to take time.

"He has got to improve on other aspects of his game but I think his movement in the box is as good as I have seen from a lot of the best.

"He can lose defenders and go one way and then the other. He is fantastic at that."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was not such a happy man however, believing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney should have been sent off in the opening minute of their 4-0 defeat to the league leaders.

Rooney caught James McCarthy in the face with his elbow at the DW Stadium but was only cautioned by referee Mark Clattenburg.

Rooney went on to score United's third goal and Martinez said: "I saw the incident clearly and the referee did as well because he gave the free-kick," said Martinez.

"Once you give a free-kick it is quite clear that it is a red card. When you look at the replay, it is quite clear he catches James McCarthy in the face with his elbow.

"If one of my players had done that, I would think he was very lucky to stay on the pitch.

"It is a big call in the game. It is unfortunate because the referee saw it but he didn't feel it was a red card.

"It was not because he was Wayne Rooney. It was an incident in the game. That is it."

Saturday's other games saw Wolves record their record Premier League win with a 4-0 success against 10-man Blackpool.

Matt Jarvis got the opener before DJ Campbell saw red and Jamie O'Hara and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (2) completed the rout.

Ashley Young grabbed a brace as Aston Villa claimed a 4-1 home win over Blackburn, who had captain Ryan Nelsen sent off in stoppage time.

Newcastle played out a 1-1 draw with Bolton as Daniel Sturridge continued his excellent form since joining the Trotters on loan from Chelsea by scoring their equaliser.