Romelu Lukaku scored in the final minute of added time to give Everton a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at Upton Park this afternoon.
Stewart Downing gave the Hammers the lead, but Leon Osman equalised for the Toffees minutes later before Lukaku nabbed the winner with just seconds left on the clock.
Below, Sports Mole dissects the match that unfolded in London.
Match statistics
WEST HAM UNITED
Shots: 13
On target: 3
Possession: 79%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 12
EVERTON
Shots: 21
On target: 5
Possession: 80%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
West Ham would rightly feel hard done-by considering that they caused plenty of problems for their opponents during the match, and it is always cruel to lose a game in injury time. The first half was rather lacklustre, with neither side making the most of their attacking plays. The clinical and decisive touch was missing in the final third and it was hard to separate the two sides with regards to the performances, as well as the scoreline.
After the home side took the lead, something seemed to change in Everton's play as they found the spark that had been missing in the first half. Lukaku fully deserved his goal as he continuously frustrated West Ham's defensive line, and his pressure eventually paid off.
West Ham's performance
Despite being the home side, the Hammers started on the back foot and failed to take the game to Everton in the first half. They managed to create chances, but nothing meaningful as most attempts when straight into the hands of goalkeeper Tim Howard. Stewart Downing's goal in the second half was much deserved for the former Liverpool man, who caused plenty of trouble down the wings.
Sam Allardyce's side did well to frustrate Everton by packing bodies into the box while defending, but they just lost their composure towards the end of the game as the visitors ramped up their attack.
Everton's performance
The two sides could not be separated in the first half in terms of performance. Roberto Martinez's side showed some impressive passing play throughout, but they could not find the killer blow until they were put under pressure after going a goal down. They struggled to handle West Ham's defence at times, but if it was not for Lukaku, they may not have gained three points this afternoon.
However, the intensity that they displayed in the second half and their determination to snatch a winner was rewarded in the dying minutes of the encounter.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Romelu Lukaku: It would be hard not to select the player who netted a late winner. It was a relatively quiet time for all of the players in the first half, but the Belgian had a handful of chances in the second 45 minutes. Despite suffering the blow of conceding, Lukaku did not give up and his perseverance paid off in the end.
Biggest gaffe
The scoreline could have been very different if referee Kevin Friend had awarded the home side a stonewall penalty in the first half. Aaron Cresswell found space on the left before sending a cross into the box. Seamus Coleman was stood in his way and, as the ball was whipped in, it hit the arm of the Everton defender, who could have easily kept his hand away. However, the match official waved claims away.
Referee performance
As mentioned above, Friend made a blunder by not awarding a first-half penalty to the hosts. He also distributed five yellow cards overall and, despite the tackles flying in on occasions, the referee stayed on top of all situations that occurred. However, after failing to give West Ham the spot kick, the home fans were against him from early on.
What next?
West Ham: The Hammers end the season with a trip to play Newcastle United at St James' Park next Sunday.
Everton: The Toffees round off their campaign with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.
Danielle Joynson
