West Ham 0 - 1 Everton | PL | 09.05.21

Everton produced a resolute defensive performance to frustrate their hosts with a 1-0 win away in London. Calvert-Lewin was the match-winner on the night in a game with few attacking opportunities. West ham, who breathed new life into their top-four hopes at Burnley on Monday, remain 5 points back, with their rivals picking up points around them.

Like much of the game, the early exchanges were tentative, with the only sights of goal coming from Everton's series of corners, both headed away by Soucek before Calvert Lewin looped his effort high over Fabianski's goal in the last. Aside from a couple of Lucas Digne crosses into the West Ham box, both met by Dawson and Antonio's pass that evaded Lingard rushing in, there was not much for either side in the first 20 mins of the affair. Both teams weary of exposing themselves early on.

From nothing really, Everton opened up their hosts. A straightforward goal was owing to Calvert Lewin's brilliant run. Ben Godfrey played a ball forward for the Toffee's top scorer to run onto from his central defensive position. Showing his strength, he held off Diop recovery and slotted home past Fabianski to open the scoring. The goal increased the game's tempo; West Ham finally exerted some pressure with an effort from Benrahma and a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner before Sigurdsson stung the gloves of Fabianski with a free-kick from range.

Evertons' defence brilliantly clogged up the centre of the pitch, denying Lingard, Benrahma and Fornals space to operate. The hammers' attempt to probe into the Everton box were rebuffed by robust defending from the visitors. The hosts' change in approach play yielded their best chance with five minutes of the half left to play. Benrahma, still yet to score in the Premier League, showed why. He arrived at the back post from a cross from Coufal but could only head his effort over Pickford's goal despite being only eight yards from goal and completely unopposed. It was their best opportunity of the game and could have sparked some life into their play.

The start of the second period was a carbon copy of the first, West Ham controlling the ball and the visitors content to maintain a low block and spring counter attacks through Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. Despite the urgency, Everton's defence remained comfortable well into the hour.

With Cresswell forced off with a groin injury, the Hammers' lost their quality from crossing from the left. The change necessitated a shift in approach that yielded their first attack of the half. Good interplay between Antonio and Fornals in the centre of the park created space out wide for Coufal. The Czech defender ran in to strike from the edge of the box, but his shot bounced off the post and fell gratefully into Pickford's arms after Bowen failed to control the rebound.

In truth, the visitors were the ones who were most threatening in the latter stages. In his first involvement after coming on for Richarlison, Josh King struck the post himself; his header resulted from another incisive Everton counter. Ancelotti's men dealt expertly with the sustained West Ham pressure, even after Mina departed through injury; Ben Godrey demonstrated why his stock is rising, turning in a commanding performance. Tom Keane should also be credited for his fine form today and throughout the season.

A disappointing result and performance from Moyes' team. He will hope their brilliant season won't fizzle out with performances like these in their three remaining matches; with European football still very much to play for, they'll have to raise their game to disrupt the big boys. The win takes Everton just three points behind their hosts, with a game in hand. Ancelotti will push his men to show this level of concentration and togetherness on a more regular basis - London remains a happy hunting ground for the Merseysiders.