EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

West Ham 0-1 Everton

A Lee Carsley’s first goal of the season has given Everton an excellent 1-0 victory at Upton Park against West Ham United that has pushed the side up to 8th in the Premiership table.

This success was built on sheer hard work and determination and was earned without the influential presence of Thomas Gravesen, who picked up a knee injury in training that prevented him travelling to East London.

Tobias Linderoth proved a more than able deputy, whilst Alan Stubbs did well as a replacement for the suspended David Weir.

Richard Wright also impressed with a string of fine saves, particularly in the latter stages as Everton fought to protect the advantage.

The game’s only goal came in the 70th minute when Dave Unsworth, back on his old stomping ground, whipped in a delicious cross from the left that Carsley headed powerfully past David James.

Prior to that, both sides had chances to score, despite the game not being anything like as free-flowing and entertaining as last week’s win over Arsenal.

Wright saved well from Trevor Sinclair as early as the 3rd minute, which was then bettered by James on 27 when he kept out a Kevin Campbell effort. The Hammers keeper also denied, of all people, Tony Hibbert when the young defender tried his luck from distance and West Ham dangerman Jermaine Defoe forced Wright into a couple of successive smart blocks just before the break.

Early in the 2nd period, Campbell headed just over and then Ian Pearce found the Everton side netting from close range.

Wayne Rooney came on in the 65th minute and almost grabbed an instant goal!

He danced past a Tomas Repka challenge inside the box only to lift his final effort just over the crossbar.

West Ham, still the only Premiership side yet to register a home win this season, looked at their most potent after Carsley’s goal, but Wright showed all his own international credentials with a sound performance – his late save from Paolo Di Canio was superb and he thoroughly deserved his clean sheet.