West Ham secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton at London Stadium, with Callum Wilson's stoppage-time goal sealing three crucial points in their battle against relegation.
West Ham entered the match in 17th place with just 33 points from 33 games, desperately needing a win to keep their survival hopes alive. Everton, meanwhile, sat in 11th with 47 points and arrived as favorites on the day. The visitors dominated possession early, controlling the tempo with their superior passing accuracy and territorial advantage.
The first half proved relatively quiet in terms of clear-cut chances. Everton created the better opportunities through their midfield control, but West Ham's defense held firm. Both teams struggled to break through, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested. The hosts looked to hit on the counter-attack whenever possible, relying on pace and directness to trouble Everton's backline.
Yellow cards flew in throughout the opening 45 minutes. Jarrad O'Brien received the first caution in the 38th minute for Everton. James Tarkowski followed moments later with a booking of his own. The intensity grew as the half progressed, but neither side found the breakthrough before the interval.
The second half started with immediate impact. Tomáš Souček opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, firing West Ham ahead with a clinical finish. The Czech midfielder's goal energized the home crowd and shifted momentum decisively in the hosts' favor. Everton needed a response.
Jarrod Bowen proved instrumental for West Ham, providing two assists from his position on the right wing. His crossing and movement created space for teammates to attack. Meanwhile, El Hadji Malick Diouf controlled the midfield with five tackles, breaking up Everton's play repeatedly. Everton pressed hard but couldn't find an equalizer despite their numerical advantage in possession.
Everton drew level in the 88th minute when Kalvin Dewsbury-Hall finished from close range. The goal sparked hope for the visitors with just minutes remaining. However, West Ham responded immediately. In the 90+3rd minute, Wilson struck the decisive blow, tucking away the winner to send the home fans into raptures.
The statistics reflected a tight contest. West Ham managed 10 shots with three on target, while Everton recorded 11 shots with three on target. Expected goals favored Everton at 1.35 to 1.17, yet West Ham's clinical finishing proved decisive. Everton's possession advantage of 56% to 44% failed to translate into points.
This victory lifts West Ham to 36 points with four games remaining. The three points provide vital breathing room in their relegation scrap. Everton remains on 47 points and must regroup for their next fixture.
