In caretaker manager David Unsworth’s farewell game at the helm, Everton roared back to life with an electrifying performance, capped off by Wayne Rooney’s magnificent hat-trick, sealing a dominant 4-0 home victory over West Ham on Wednesday night.
Rooney was in sensational form, firing in two rapid goals in the first half. Despite a missed penalty by West Ham, the striker completed his hat-trick with a breathtaking third goal. Ashley Williams wrapped things up with a fourth goal, ensuring Unsworth ended his tenure in grand style at Goodison Park.
Match Report
The Toffees kicked off with renewed vigour, taking the lead when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was fouled inside the box by Joe Hart from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s clever pass. Although Rooney’s penalty kick was initially saved, he brilliantly headed in the rebound to open the scoring.
Confidence surged for Everton as, in the 28th minute, teenager Tom Davies surged forward, delivering a cross that found Rooney, who coolly slotted the ball into an open net to double the lead.
West Ham threatened shortly after the break when Aaron Cresswell unleashed a powerful shot following a pass from Manuel Lanzini, only to be denied by the post.
A penalty was awarded against Everton in the 59th minute after Williams fouled Diafra Sakho. But Lanzini’s penalty was superbly saved by Jordan Pickford, keeping the clean sheet intact.
Everton punished the visitors’ missed chance when Rooney netted a spectacular goal from inside his own half. Spotting Hart off his line, Rooney unleashed an unbelievable strike over defenders Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna, leaving the fans in awe.
The sealing touch came in the 78th minute as Williams powered home a header from Sigurdsson’s exquisite cross, rounding off a flawless victory on Merseyside.
Match Breakdown
Everton 4 – West Ham 0
Rooney scores twice in the first half
Penalty saved by Pickford
Rooney’s stunning long-range goal
Williams caps the win with a powerful header
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