Four things we loved as West Ham won at Everton.

1. Areola saves the day!
Alphonse Areola and the word ‘heroics’ have been in the same phrase several times this season, and they did so again after Saturday’s triumph at Everton.

The France international goalkeeper has now made 103 saves in 24 Premier League matches this season, trailing just Sheffield United’s Wes Foderingham’s 108 from 26 games.

Areola was simply magnificent at Goodison Park, making nine saves, including a crucial save to deny Beto’s penalty with the game still goalless shortly before halftime.

The same player did beat Areola with an accurate header early in the second half, but, since then, the 29-year-old was untouchable, using his extraordinary spring and reflexes to keep out tries.

2. Another away win.
West Ham United’s victory over Everton brought their Premier League away record to six this season.

The Irons have now secured 20 points from games on their top-flight travels in 2023/24, compared to just three wins and 12 points from 19 away fixtures last season.

When West Ham qualified for Europe by placing sixth in 2020/21, David Moyes’ side won nine away games and earned 31 points on the road, whereas they earned 24 points on their route to seventh in 2021/22.

With travels to Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester City still to come, hitting 31 again will be a difficult task, but eclipsing 24 is surely a goal.

3. Big Tom’s hat trick.
“To score again and complete a hat-trick would be perfect, but it will be a tough game.”

Tomáš Souček scored a Premier League winner at Goodison Park on New Year’s Day 2021, followed by another 1-0 win against Everton later that year. He completed his hat-trick with a fantastic late goal in Saturday’s triumph.

Another action-packed performance on Merseyside.

Souček, who turned 29 on Tuesday, controlled Mohammed Kudus’ cross on his chest and curled an unstoppable goal past Jordan Pickford with the outside of his right foot.

In excitement, the midfielder tore off his shirt and later stated that the goal was one of his career highlights. It’s hard to think he got a better score.

4. Excellent. Eddie Álvarez delivered a standout performance for West Ham United against Everton on Saturday.

The Mexican covered every blade of green at Goodison Park, recording five tackles, five interceptions, and three blocked shots – all team highs.

The second block, denying James Garner, came mere seconds before the Irons scored the winning goal through Tomáš Souček.

Álvarez clinched West Ham’s victory by clipping Jarrod Bowen’s pass over Jordan Pickford in added time, capping an impressive individual performance.

The No. 19 received well-deserved praise from boss David Moyes for his performance and will seek to replicate it.