By Sam Tonks
West Ham’s unbeaten run at London Stadium was ended as first half goals from Kurt Zouma and Bernard secured a 2-0 win for Everton, a first home loss in 2019.
Â
It was the return of Premier League football for West Ham United, with Everton the visitors to London Stadium. They were off the back of an impressive result over Chelsea, but West Ham were seven unbeaten at home, winning their previous two.
Felipe Anderson was missing with an ankle problem for Manuel Pellegrini’s team, Lucas Perez was preferred to start up front with Michail Antonio and Mark Noble on the bench. Yerry Mina was missing for the visitors, Zouma came in for him.
Marco Silva’s men were fastest out of the blocks, taking the lead inside five minutes. Zouma made the most of his start by heading Gylfi Sigurdsson’s corner over Aaron Cresswell who was on the line.
Everton maintained constant pressure throughout the first half, Lukasz Fabianski standing tall to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Sigurdsson and Lucas Digne in quick succession.
But the barrier was broken down in the 33rd minute, Bernard doubling the away sides lead. Seamus Coleman latched onto a one-two with Richarlison and picked out the Brazilian for a tap in.
Pellegrini introduced Antonio and the hero from their last win here over Huddersfield, Chicharito, at half-time to turn the tide.
The attacks were beginning to build for West Ham as they looked to chase a goal to get the home fans roaring. Fresh off his England debut, Declan Rice was trying to drive his side forward and find a way to beat his national team mate Jordan Pickford.
However the game began to ebb towards the final minutes. Everton were set up resolutely but were continually threatening on the counter, Richarlison crashed a header against the bar from six yards out.
The result moves Everton a point above West Ham, but the Hammers are still two points off seventh place. Next to visit London Stadium are Leicester City on the 20th April.
