REPORT | WEST HAM 2-1 EVERTON

Everton fell to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham to further deepen their relegation worries.

Aaron Cresswell’s 32^nd minute free-kick fired the Hammers in front before Mason Holgate equalised on 53 minutes with his second goal of the season.

Jarrod Bowen restored the hosts’ lead five minutes later and the Toffees’ misery was compounded by Michael Keane’s sending off, their third red card in their previous three league games.

It was an all-round improved performance from Frank Lampard’s side, but once more silly mistakes and an ultimate lack of quality was their undoing.

The Blues adopted a slower build-up play which seemed to suit them as Richarlison twice got in behind the West Ham backline but was unable to find the net with two good opportunities.

However, despite starting the match the stronger of the two sides, Everton fell behind just past the half hour mark after a needless foul from Holgate resulted in Cresswell scoring with a pinpoint free-kick.

The Toffees continued to take the game to their opponents and found their equaliser eight minutes into the second half in the most unlikely of circumstances: a well-executed volley from Holgate who was only starting in midfield after Donny van de Beek injured himself in the warm-up.

The goal had restored belief and it looked like the Blues could potentially go on and win the game but a lapse in concentration just five minutes later from Alex Iwobi allowed the Irons to go on the break and Bowen slotted home after Michail Antonio was denied by Jordan Pickford.

Lampard’s side were not yet down and out but a foolish late tackle from Keane on 65 minutes earned him his second yellow card of the game and pretty much ruled out any chance of his side clawing themselves back into the game.

It was yet another infuriating day for the travelling Everton supporters as their performance perhaps warranted at least a point against a West Ham side far from their best form.

But yet again silly mistakes resulted in another damaging defeat and only makes Wednesday’s trip to Turf Moor all the more important.