Calvert-Lewin steals the points for hungry Toffees

On a historic day for Everton, marking their 1200th game in the Premier League, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against West Ham United, which pushed them further away from the relegation zone. For one of England's traditional clubs, it was the most traditional way to get a win: star striker, number nine, one-nil!

In their first match since the passing of chairman Bill Kenwright, the Toffees struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages of the game. However, they were nearly handed an opportunity to get into the game midway through the first half when a moment of hesitation between Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd allowed Jack Harrison to take a shot on goal, but his effort went straight at Alphonse Areola. Reflecting the tone of the opening period, the main highlight was a scuffle that broke out when James Tarkowski and Mohammed Kudus clashed, resulting in a near 22-man confrontation. The nerves were high - and Everton players came out on top in those circumstances.

In the second half, West Ham wasted no time, with Jarrod Bowen firing a shot from the edge of the area in the opening 30 seconds, although it was blocked. Aaron Cresswell had another chance for West Ham, delivering a free-kick from the left that Bowen headed over the bar.

Everton took the lead as Dominic Calvert-Lewin played a nicely placed ball for Harrison, who returned it to his striker. Calvert-Lewin skillfully navigated past Kurt Zouma and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. It was to prove the pivotal moment of the game.

Bowen had an opportunity in the penalty area but volleyed wide, a decent hit that didn't trouble Jordan Pickford much. Paqueta attempted a spectacular overhead kick from a wide free-kick, although it went up and backward but looked impressive. David Moyes' team seemed to do everything right - except scoring goals.

Areola made an incredible save, using his fingertip to block a shot from Abdoulaye Doucoure, who had a clear chance from the edge of the area. Dwight McNeil fired a long-range shot, forcing Areola to tip it over, a relatively straightforward save. James Garner's low cross rebounded to him, and he scuffed a weak effor. West Ham made a substitution, with James Ward-Prowse replaced by Tomas Soucek.

Calvert-Lewin had another try, but his left-footed effort struck the crossbar, but he was offside. Pickford made an outstanding save from a point-blank range shot by Kudus, who met a flicked shot by Paqueta.

For the home side, Kudus received a through-ball and tried to square it from near the byline, but it didn't find a teammate. Edson Alvarez also received his fifth booking of the season, which meant he would miss the next match against Brentford.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 10

Friday

Crystal Palace - Tottenham 1-2 (0-0)

/Ayew 90+4 - Ward 53, Son 66/

Saturday

Chelsea - Brentford 0-2 (0-0)

/Pinnock 58, Mbuemo 90+6/

Arsenal - Sheffield United 5-0 (1-0)

/Nketiah 28, 51, 58, Vieira 88 pen, Tomiyasu 90+6/

Bournemouth - Burnley 2-1 (1-1)

/Semenyo 22, Billing 76 - Taylor 11/

Wolverhampton Wanderers - Newcastle United 2-2 (1-2)

/Lemina 36, Hwang 71 - Wilson 22, 45+4 pen/

Sunday

West Ham - Everton 0-1 (0-0)

/Calvert-Lewin 51/

Aston Villa - Luton (in progress)

Brighton - Fulham (in progress)

Liverpool - Nottingham (in progress)

18:30: (5.50) Man.Utd. (3.70) Man.City (1.67)

***odds are subject to change***