Cresswell wonder strike inspires West Ham win, but Everton remain in dangerous position
West Ham climbed up to fifth with a 2-1 victory over struggling Everton, with an Aaron Cresswell wonder strike in the first half setting the tone.
This was a big game for both sides, with big repercussions possible at both ends of the table. Everton started the day in 17th, just three points above the drop zone, having won just one of their last three in the league.
The Hammers started in eighth, but had the opportunity to jump into fifth with a win. They were looking to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Tottenham last time out.
Jarrod Bowen returned to the West Ham side after missing the last four in all competitions. Ryan Fredericks started his second league game this season, as Ben Johnson was absent.
For Everton, Donny van de Beek was injured in the warm up and was replaced in the squad by Mason Holgate, who started in central midfield in the absences of Andre Gomes and Allan.
The opening 15 minutes saw both teams soak up pressure and attempt to catch the other on the counter. West Ham’s attacks had more substance, with the best coming after a link up between Bowen and Pablo Fornals, who was tackled by Jordan Pickford inside the Everton box.
Everton got themselves into the game in the next few minutes, and looked the better side for a while.
However, the Hammers were gifted an opportunity in the 32nd minute, when Bowen was brought down in a dangerous position. Aaron Cresswell nestled the resulting free kick in the top right corner.
The goal injected an energy into West Ham, as they had a number of attempts before half time. Michail Antonio could have doubled the lead after rounding Pickford, but his shot from a tight angle found the side netting.
Before that, though, Everton could have squared things up. Richarlison – who was Everton’s main threat – was found by a long through ball, but his outside-the-foot shot sailed just over the bar.
West Ham render Toffees’ counter-punch insignificant
The beginning of the second half looked even. Both sides had a couple of attempts, but nothing major, until a few minutes in.
Everton won a corner in the 56th minute, thanks to more involvement from Richarlison. The corner looked to have petered out, but Mason Holgate’s deflected strike managed to find its way into the net, assisted by the Brazilian.
Everton hardly had a sniff following the goal, and with what little chances they did create, they were wasteful. Frank Lampard’s side had multiple speculative efforts from range, but nothing to rouble Lukasz Fabianksi.
West Ham restored their lead just three minutes after going behind. Alex Iwobi’s poor touch let Antonio through, and his effort found its way to Bowen, who tapped in to make it 2-1.
The Hammers were fairly comfortable from that point on, with Everton having little in the way of attempts. The Toffees’ bright spark, Richarlison, worked tirelessly until the end, but for no reward.
The game finished at 2-1 to West Ham, meaning David Moyes’ side leapfrog Wolves, Manchester United and Tottenham, into fifth.
Everton’s struggles under Lampard continue, as they remain just three points above the drop zone.
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