West Ham vs Everton match report: Romelu Lukaku ends his goal drought to ruin Sam Allardyce's possible farewell to Upton Park
West Ham 1 Everton 2: Doubts surrounding Allardyce's future could see the defeat stand as his final match in charge of the Hammers
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Your support makes all the difference.It will give Sam Allardyce no satisfaction to know that he called it right for what could have been his final home match in charge of West Ham. In the build-up, he said: “We have to make sure we stop (Romelu) Lukaku because he always scores against us.” They didn’t, he scored and they lost.
The Belgium striker has scored six times in six games for Everton against West Ham, four in four this season, and his headed goal in added time put Everton level on pint with West Ham in 10th.
“Unbelievable,” a frustrated Allardyce moaned.
Stewart Downing’s opening strike was cancelled out by Leon Osman before Lukaku extended his remarkable run against the Hammers by scoring from close range. The Belgium striker has scored six times in six games for Everton against West Ham, four in four this season, and the goal took the visitors level on points with their hosts in 10th place.
There was scarcely a mention of Allardyce from the fans, but one “Big Sam Out” banner was unfurled at the end. It could be that next Sunday’s match at his former club Newcastle is his last as Hammers boss, with his contract set to expire and talks on hold until the end of the season.
The first half was best forgotten but thankfully there were goals in the second, with one moment of quality for each side. Downing exchanged passes with Alex Song before putting West Ham ahead with a smart finish in the 62nd minute, but the home side’s lead lasted only six minutes. Lukaku found space to cross for Osman, who with his back to goal took one touch and volleyed in the equaliser on the turn.
Then came Lukaku’s decisive intervention, heading in a cross from the substitute Aiden McGeady.
West Ham: (4-3-3) Adrian; Jankinson, Collins (Burke, 14), Reid, Cresswell; Noble, Kouyate, Song; Downing, Cole (Nene, 70), Valencia.
Everton: (4-2-3-1) Howard; Coleman, Stones, Jagielka. Galloway; Barry, McCarthy; Lennon (McGeadt, 78), Barkley (Mirallas, 79), Osman; Lukaku.
Referee: Kevin Friend
Man of the match: Lukaku (Everton)
Match rating: 5/10
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