West Ham 0-1 Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half strike gives Sean Dyche’s side narrow victory over Hammers

A moment of quality from Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped Everton to all three points against West Ham at the London Stadium.

The away side showed spark and made the most of limited opportunities, while a lack of quality at the top of the pitch, and sloppiness in the middle and the back cost David Moyes’ side.

Despite beginning the game in lively fashion, the home side were unable to produce anything from their extended early spell of possession.

The match soon settled into stasis, as Everton’s midfield and defence had the measure of the Hammers’ flair players.

They gave the ball away too often, too easily and were largely stationed too far from the Everton box. In contrast Everton, despite having less of the ball, looked more comfortable when in possession.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin found himself in good positions and was able to threaten the West Ham goal on a few occasions. Neither team came close to breaking the deadlock before half-time, in a first 45 that didn’t give either side’s fans much reason to get excited.

West Ham showed little more imagination in the second half than they did the first, while Everton looked increasingly comfortable.

And it was they who broke the deadlock six minutes into the half thanks to some brilliance from Calvert-Lewin.

The striker received a pass from Dwight McNeil, took out two defenders with a graceful turn, and tucked a pinpoint shot into the corner past the desperate dive of Alphonse Areola.

West Ham’s players grew increasingly frustrated and picked up several yellow cards, and saw no solid chances for the remaining minutes.

Sean Dyche can be happy with his players’ performances, Moyes will surely have something stern to say to his. The result moves Everton up to 15th place in the Premier League.

West Ham fans will be wondering how they could have such an abundance of creative capacity, yet have less to show for it than a more back-to-basics Everton side. Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, Jarod Bowen – Everton had no trouble keeping all three contained, while the West Ham defence and midfield didn’t help themselves by giving the ball away so easily before the fuse of a chance could even be lit. David Moyes’ side, which started the season so well, have now lost three in a week. Something has to chance. Sean Dyche, in contrast, has done something different at Goodison lately. Through simplicity, his squad is starting to gel.