Moyes gives praise to saint Stephen

EVERTON’S squad is stuffed full of unsung heroes, but few are more worthy of praise than Steven Pienaar.

The South African led West Ham a merry dance here, with his assist in the third goal the highlight of an impressive performance, and it will have been enough for Chelsea’s scouts to take notice ahead of the FA Cup final on May 30.

“Steven’s turn in the box to make the third was exquisite,” David Moyes, the manager, said. “He has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks.”

Louis Saha cancelled out Radoslav Kovac’s spectacular 30-yard opener for West Ham with a penalty after James Tomkins had tripped Tim Cahill.

The result was that Tomkins was red carded and the visitors imploded. Joseph Yobo gave Everton the lead with his first goal of the season before Saha added a third, thanks to Pienaar. With Jo ineligible for the cup final, Saha’s brace was a timely reminder to Moyes. “I thought Louis’s contribution was much better, ” he said. “It is just a case of him showing it.”

Gianfranco Zola had nothing but praise for his players.

“I am very pleased with what the team has achieved this year,” he said. “It has been difficult but we have done well. We will try harder next season.”

EVERTON (4-4-2): Howard 6, Jacobsen 6, Yobo 8, Lescott 7, Baines 7, Osman 6, Neville 6, Cahill 7 (Jo 80, 5), Pienaar 7, Fellaini 6 (Rodwell 69, 5), Saha 8 (Vaughan 80, 5).

Subs Not Used: Nash, Hibbert, Castillo, Gosling.

WEST HAM: Green 7, Neill 7, Tomkins 5, Upson 6, Ilunga 5, Collison 5, Noble 6, Kovac 6 (Stanislas 67, 5), Boa Morte 6, Tristan 5 (Cole 46, 5), Di Michele 5 (Spector 46, 5).

Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Lopez, Nsereko, Payne.

REFEREE: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire) 6: The sending-off changed the game but West Ham could have few complaints.

MATCH RATING: *** Bright and breezy enough.