West Ham United 0-1 Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin secures win on poignant day

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's piece of brilliance ensured Everton secured a vital Premier League victory in their first game since the death of chairman Bill Kenwright.

On a poignant day for the Merseyside club, striker Calvert-Lewin turned his marker with a clever flick before firing low into the bottom corner.

It was a rare moment of quality in a scrappy encounter where both sides struggled to create chances.

Calvert-Lewin, who described Kenwright as a "great man" after the 78-year-old died on Monday, was the difference maker as Everton became only the fourth team to beat West Ham at home this year.

However, the Toffees needed keeper Jordan Pickford to be alert in stoppage time in order to clinch victory.

The England international barely had a save to make before beating away a fierce volley from Hammers substitute Said Benrahma.

Everton move five points clear of the relegation zone, climbing above Nottingham Forest - who lost 3-0 at Liverpool - on goal difference to sixth from bottom in the table.

West Ham, who stay ninth, have won just one of their past six Premier League games as their strong start to the season continues to fade.

Before kick-off, there was a minute's applause in memory of Everton chairman Kenwright and England World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, who both died recently.

Everton manager Sean Dyche and West Ham boss David Moyes - who was Toffees boss from 2002 to 2013 and worked closely with Kenwright - both laid wreaths in the centre circle.

Hammers legend Sir Geoff Hurst, an England team-mate of Charlton and the sole surviving member of the 1966 team, joined them.

"It has been a sad week and I think it has been befitting to get the result for the chairman and his family," Dyche said.

Everton goalscorer Calvert-Lewin dedicated the victory to Kenwright, who was the chairman at Goodison Park from 2004 until his death.

"His death was a shock and that one was for Bill," Calvert-Lewin said.

"He would have been proud of the boys and proud of the way we did win - digging in and a good performance to the man."

Keeping one-time England striker Calvert-Lewin fit - and getting him into top form - is key to Everton's fortunes this season.

Dyche has opted for a patient approach with the striker, refusing to rush him back too quickly, which could be detrimental to both the player and the club.

Calvert-Lewin has started the past five matches for the Toffees after being carefully managed and his second-half winner at London Stadium took his tally to four goals in six games.

The 26-year-old striker has scored more against West Ham than any other club, but it was not just the goal which caught the eye in his performance.

"We know Dom is getting sharp and fitter," Dyche said.

"He worked diligently all game and did a lot of leg work for the team. It was a great turn and finish - it is very difficult to defend."

His movement and link-up play also caused trouble for the home defence, with his flick-on for team-mate Abdoulaye Doucoure shortly after the goal almost ending up in a second for the visitors.

Hammers keeper Alphonse Areola denied Doucoure with a sharp save, meaning Everton had to defend doggedly in the final stages to prevent West Ham grabbing a barely-deserved equaliser.

Pickford's save, along with the organisation led by centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, clinched only a fourth win on the road in 40 league matches for Everton.

Calvert-Lewin received plenty of the plaudits as the squad celebrated with a jubilant away end to mark an emotional week on a high.

Swathes of empty seats in the home stands towards the end of the game indicated what the West Ham fans thought about their side's performance.

While the Hammers had almost 65% possession, they created few clear-cut opportunities as they struggled to break down a resolute Everton side.

In-form winger Jarrod Bowen, whose six goals this season earned him an England recall last month, slashed wide their best chance in the first half and he also headed Aaron Cresswell's free-kick over the bar after the break.

West Ham continued to push and probe in a desperate search for an equaliser, but did not show enough quality - other than Benrahma's effort - to seriously stretch Everton.

"There was very, very little in the game," Moyes said.

"The one chance which came, they scored it. We missed two or three opportunities to score and you don't get loads. We didn't finish them off.

"We've scored in every other game this season but today we couldn't get through. That's what you always get with Sean Dyche's teams, they defend well and make it difficult for you to get through."