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Lukaku Returns With A Bang

 

A late strike from second-half substitute Romelu Lukaku earned Everton a 1-0 win over West Ham in a closely-fought encounter at Goodison Park.

The hosts enjoyed the better of play in opening stages but first-half chances were few-and-far between for both sides with West Ham happy to sit deep and look to counter.

Steven Naismith twice headed wide early on before forcing Adrian into action for the first time of the afternoon as the West Ham goalkeeper parried his effort behind from a tight angle.

Despite being dominated in possession, the Hammers gradually came into the game and Tim Howard bravely smothered Kevin Nolan at the near post following Matty Taylor’s cross.

Sam Allardyce sent on Andy Carroll to boost his side’s attacking threat, while at the other end, Gerard Deulofeu jinxed past three defenders before firing wide as it remained deadlocked at the break.

Everton almost found themselves ahead immediately after the restart as Steven Pienaar clipped the post following Baines’ cut back and Deulofeu was unable to capitalise on the rebound.

The Toffees eventually took the lead as Romelu Lukaku stepped off the bench to guide Leighton Baines’ 81st-minute cross past a helpless Adrian, much to the relief of the home crowd.