Lukaku underlines West Ham’s sense of loss

West Ham United 2 Everton 3

For Lukaku’s half-time introduction off the bench transformed this match and left Sam Allardyce, the West Ham manager, cursing his luck that the giant Belgian striker opted for Merseyside ahead of east London.

His 17 goals on loan at West Brom last season failed to persuade Jose Mourinho that the 20-year-old was ready for Stamford Bridge and was sent back out to continue his development.

Those left scratching their heads at that move would have been even perplexed at what they witnessed.

Lukaku revealed how he is learning from his Premier League striker rivals by studying videos to help him become the best around.

“It’s true that I watch every single game in the league — all the 90 minutes,” said Lukaku. “I take my time to study and to learn other strikers’ movements and other defenders.”

Lukaku will no doubt have a point to prove to Mourinho.

“At my age the most important thing is to play and develop,” he added.

“Everton gave me the opportunity so I’m very happy to be here. I knew Everton was a possibility and West Brom as well, but Everton was that step that I needed.

“As a team they are always close to the top four and get to cup finals.

“Chelsea is the future, the past at this moment, but maybe the future, we’ll see at the end of this season.

“But I’m in the best place for my age — if we can combine our work together we can have good results.”

How Allardyce would have wished he had won the race for Lukaku given how they look short and light up front in Andy Carroll’s continued injury absence and there is no short-term fix until the January window reopens.

That now seems some way off. At least they finally scored, to end their five-hour drought in the process, through Ravel Morrison’s deflected 31st-minute opener.

It might well have been enough on another day if it wasn’t for Lukaku’s impact along with Leighton Baines’ two stunning free-kicks.

Baines hauled Everton level in the 62nd minute with his first set-piece special before the visitors shot themselves in the foot by conceding a 77th-minute penalty, converted by Mark Noble. The midfielder’s afternoon would soon end when he was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

To rub salt into the wounds, Baines curled home the resulting 83rd-minute free-kick.

Just two minutes later Lukaku conjured up the goal he deserved, showing bravery to head home the winner.

WEST HAM (4-5-1): Jaaskelainen 6; O’Brien 6, Reid 7, Collins 7, Rat 6; Diame 6, Morrison 7, Noble 7, Nolan 6 (Taylor 80), Jarvis 7 (Vaz Te 66, 5); Maiga 4 (Petric 62, 6).

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard 6; Coleman 6, Jagielka 7, Distin 6, Baines 8; Barry 7, Osman 6 (Oviedo 51, 6), Mirallas 7, Barkley 6, Naismith 5 (McCarthy 46, 6), Jelavic 5 (Lukaku 46, 8).

Referee: Lee Mason.