The trick for Everton was finding the edge to go with the organisation. This was a disciplined, resilient away performance, the kind to evoke memories of Sean Dyche’s best days at Burnley, but it might have gone unrewarded without a striker capable of gobbling up the smallest of openings. West Ham, who are in danger of drifting into trouble waters after one win in six league matches, might have stolen something had Dominic Calvert-Lewin not been ready to punish their lethargy with a clinical winning goal.
This was proof that Everton, who moved five points clear of the bottom three with this deserved win, are a different proposition when Calvert-Lewin is fit and confident. The England international has had a horrible time with injuries, but his importance to Dyche’s side shone brightly when he drove in his fourth goal of the season. Calvert-Lewin ran the channels, linked the play and took his chance brilliantly; in short he did for Everton, who also benefited from a fine defensive display from Jarrad Branthwaite, what Michail Antonio was incapable of providing for West Ham.
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