Match Reports: Everton 2-0 West Ham United

Lukaku opened the scoring in the Toffees’ 2-0 win, a result which lifts Ronald Koeman’s team back into the top six, to make it nine straight games in which he’s scored against the London club.

Everton improved as the match progressed and Ross Barkley, under scrutiny this season for some inconsistent performances, capped a fine display with a half-volley that secured the points for the hosts.

West Ham, who had won back-to-back league games prior to this, remained 16th, three points above the relegation zone.

A familiar complaint of Everton’s credible start to the season has been the lack of quality in depth at Koeman’s disposal until the January window.

Everton’s Ross Barkley (right) has a shot under pressure from West Ham United’s Winston Reid today. Maybe the first half was not what we expect if we play at home.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said the decision to rest club captain Phil Jagielka in his side’s 2-0 win over West Ham was made with one eye on a hard few months ahead.

Kevin Mirallas forced the West Ham keeper to tip over the bar and he was also called into action as the corner flashed across the goal as the Toffees made things sticky for the Hammers.

He added: “I think the key was what we didn’t do well in the first half we did good in the second half”.

Koeman’s forthright managerial style has impressed Barry, who feels players appreciate being told the truth, even if they may not be hearing positive words.

West Ham continued to create chances, with Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio, tasked with leading the Hammers frontline, both going close to breaking the deadlock.

Bilic concluded: “But since the first day, he has been really good and positive and very fearless in training and you could see from the start that he’s a very talented player”. “Sometimes I have to shout too much, he needs to run more”. “And if you have players like Romelu, if he gets that chance he will score”. Seamus Coleman’s drilled shot was palmed away by Adrian, but the ball was pulled back into the middle where Lukaku was on hand to nod the ball into the empty net.

West Ham are Lukaku’s favourite Premier League opponents – he has now scored in seven consecutive top-flight matches against them, one short of a record held by Robin van Persie for a scoring streak against Stoke City.

“We should have done better – especially after the kind of start we had against them”.

The England worldwide started the move in midfield and continued his run into the box before Lukaku’s clever pass picked him out. SS1 https://t.co/ZjDCSRONfz https://t.co/0yIw1kNMRX – Sky Football ⚽️ October 30, 2016 Yannick Bolasie: Has 4 assists this season all of which have been for Lukaku goals, making theirs the most prolific combination in the PL – WhoScored.com October 30, 2016 Water is wet.