Lanzini & Arnautovic secure final day win over Everton

Manuel Lanzini and Arnautovic

Two goals from Manuel Lanzini and a thumping strike by Marko Arnautovic secured an eye-catching 3-1 win for West Ham against Everton on the final day of the season.

In a brilliant afternoon of football at London Stadium Lanzini opened the scoring with a low effort in the first period. 

Arnautovic netted his eleventh Premier League goal of the season with a rocket-like strike just after an hour to double the Hammers’ advantage. 

A late push from Everton saw Sam Allardyce’s side get a goal back through Oumar Niasse, but the Irons would make it three as the Argentinian wizard netted his second with a curling goal. 

And the result means West Ham United finish the campaign in 13th, ending the season on 42 points.

Ten minutes into the contest and West Ham saw two chances test the Toffees. Marko Arnautovic saw an effort blocked by Michael Keane, before Mark Noble – on his 400th start for the Club – was played in by the Austrian. 

However, the skipper’s effort, which looked destined for the bottom corner, was saved by Jordan Pickford. 

The Irons would lose Arthur Masuaku to an early injury set-back, with Edimilson Fernandes coming on in his place, before Joao Mario came close to opening the scoring with a low, left-footed strike that was just wide of the post. 

Adrian had to quickly react after Angelo Ogbonna misjudged the flight of a long ball, smartly saving with his feet, and the stop proved vital as the Hammers netted the first goal of the game just a few minutes later. 

Cheikhou Kouyate looked to play in Arnautovic but the No7 left the ball, allowing Lanzini to run onto the pass. The Argentinian struck first time from the edge of the area, beating Pickford and sending elation through the home support at London Stadium.

The Hammers doubled their advantage just after the hour mark as Arnautovic showed just why the supporters voted him Hammer of the Year. The 29-year-old netted his eleventh Premier League finish of the season after turning Michael Keane and striking a rocket from outside the box, which Pickford just could not react to. 

The Austrian had shown his best throughout the entire contest, and looked like he had doubled his personal tally just moments later, but his headed effort was ruled out for offside. 

Everton would strike the post through Niasse before pulling a goal back via the striker, who smashed into the net after a scramble from a corner with 15 minutes to go. 

It looked like Pablo Zabaleta would restore the Hammers’ two-goal cushion with his first finish of the season, but the Argentinian’s side-footed volley was skewered wide. 

But the Irons would not be denied another goal as Lanzini superbly curled in from just inside the penalty area to score his second of the game and ensure a thrilling result for West Ham on the final day of the season. 

There was still time for West Ham fans to show appreciation to a Club icon in James Collins, who came on in the 88th minute to a rapturous standing ovation from the fantastic home fans, with Noble handing the captain’s armband to the Welsh defender.

West Ham United: Adrian; Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Collins 88’); Zabaleta, Noble (c), Kouyate, Masuaku (Fernandes 21’); Joao Mario, Lanzini (Obiang 86’), Arnautovic

Subs: Hart, Evra, Carroll, Chicharito

Goals: Lanzini 39’, Arnautovic 63’

Everton: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Funes Mori (Klaassen 46’), Jagielka, Baines, Gueye, Schneiderlin, Davies (Bolasie 83’), Niasse, Tosun (Walcott 61’)

Subs: Robles, Martina, Kenny, Holgate

Goal: Niasse 75’