Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to ensure that Everton won by the odd goal in five against West Ham United at Upton Park this afternoon.
Ravel Morrison put the hosts in front before the break, but Leighton Baines restored parity shortly after the restart.
Back came the Hammers, who took the lead when Mark Noble scored from the penalty spot. He was later sent off, though, and the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage with goals from Baines and Lukaku.
Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the clash to determine if the result was a fair one.
Match statistics:
West Ham:
Shots 9
On target 1
Possession 41%
Corners 5
Fouls 15
Everton:
Shots 9
On target 4
Possession 59%
Corners 4
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
From the first whistle, Everton played the better football. They were well below par in the first half as an attacking force, but during the second 45 minutes they took the game to their hosts. West Ham may feel that they deserved a share of the spoils, but Everton were worthy victors.
West Ham's performance
They may have scored twice today, but one was a deflection and the other came from the penalty spot. The truth is, West Ham have a real problem up front at the moment. The goals aside, they struggled to give Tim Howard in the Everton goal much to do. There's quite a bit for manager Sam Allardyce to work on, if the truth be told.
Everton's performance
A game of two halves as far as the visitors were concerned. They were poor in the first half and their play was pedestrian at times. Bringing on Lukaku for Nikica Jelavic at the break changed things, though, and they posed much more of a threat. One would imagine that the Chelsea loanee is likely to start from now on.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kevin Mirallas: The introduction of Lukaku may have swung the game in Everton's favour, but his teammate Mirallas was a threat for them from the start. He featured on both wings and provided either full-back with a torrid time. With a bit more luck, he would also have got his name among the scorers, but he did set up the winner for Lukaku.
Biggest gaffe
Noble probably thought that he had won the match when he scored from the penalty spot, but just moments later he was shown a second yellow card for a foul. From the resultant free kick, Baines drew Everton level for a second time and Everton then made their numerical advantage count not long after. Not one of Noble's best afternoons, it must be said.
Referee performance
West Ham were unhappy with Lee Mason at the end, but the official did very little wrong. He was correct to award the home side a penalty and both of Noble's cautions were warranted. All in all, Mason can be happy with his work.
What next?
West Ham: The Hammers will turn their attention to the League Cup on Tuesday evening when they play host to fellow Premier League side Cardiff City.
Everton: Likewise Everton, who will again travel to London for their third-round clash against Fulham.
Liam Apicella
