West Ham United boosted their hopes of finishing in the top-four with a deserved 2-1 win over 10-man Everton at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Everton went into the match hoping to build on their narrow will over Newcastle last time out, but David Moyes’ team, chasing a European spot, had other ideas.
The hosts looked dangerous from the first whistle, knocking on Everton’s door on a number of occasions in the opening 10 minutes.
It was no surprise when the first clear chance fell to the hosts in the 13th minute as Pablo FOrnals forced a good save from Jordan Pickford after he unleashed a quick low drive to the bottom left corner.
The Hammers however had to wait until after the half-hour mark to get their first goal, and it was worth the wait.
Everton conceded a freekick from the edge of the box, and Aaron Cresswell stepped up to take the duties and managed to curl in a beautiful goal into the top right corner.
Richarlison had a big opportunity to equliase before the break when he found some space for a shot inside the penalty box after collecting a lofted pass but sent the ball narrowly over the crossbar.
Five minutes into the second half, Dominic Calvert-Lewin almost gave Everton the equaliser after he was put through with a great pass, but inexplicably hit the crossbar after successfully sidestepping the goalkeeper.
It did not take long though for them to find a way back as Mason Holgate tried his luck from the edge of the box and his shot took a deflection and went past the stranded Lukasz Fabianski.
Just before the hour mark, West Ham restored their two-goal lead when Jarrod Bowen found himself in the right place at the right time to get to a rebound inside the box and gleefully rifled the ball low inside the right post.
Any hopes of taking a point off West Ham were dashed in the 65th minute as Michael Keane was shown a second yellow card, leaving his side with a mountain to climb.
In the end, David Moyes’ side picked maximum points, taking their tally for the season to 51.
