Everton came into today’s game in 17th place in the league and only two points ahead of their opponents, West Ham. A loss would have sunk them into the relegation zone and extended their run of trash performances. They won 4-0, thanks to a goal from Ashley Williams (who is still butt) and a hat trick from Wayne Rooney, whose third goal was an absolute rocket from half field.
Look at the movement on this ball!
Everton are now in 13th, and newly appointed manager Sam Allardyce’s rescue mission seems much more likely to succeed today than it did yesterday.