Everton in the comfort zone as hesitant Hammers crumble again

It was difficult to argue with that damning indictment.

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Injury-hit West Ham were profligate going forward, lacked creativity in midfield and showed hesitancy at the back.

This was the second time in four days that Alan Curbishley's team had lost to Everton at home.

They also succumbed in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night and the two clubs' seasons seem to be heading in opposite directions.

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Everton took the lead shortly before half-time after West Ham had squandered a series of chances and Curbishley's demoralised side had no response.

Right-back Neville said: "I don't think in the second half they created one clear-cut chance. We were always very comfortable. The back four defended well and we always looked dangerous on the counter-attack."

The game unfolded in that manner because of the way David Moyes organised Everton. In his 4-4-1-1 formation, Tim Cahill was the link man between midfield and Yakubu, the lone striker, while Mikel Arteta stayed on the right wing rather than roaming into the central role he prefers.

It meant there was solidity to Everton's play, but a considerable threat when they broke.

West Ham helped them with two bad pieces of defending.

James Collins had an awkward afternoon against Yakubu and he allowed the £11.5million marksman to head the opener.

Matthew Upson was guilty for the late second goal as he panicked before carelessly knocking the ball into the path of substitute Andy Johnson.

The England striker impressively lobbed Robert Green, although only the keeper will know why he was standing in such a vulnerable position outside his penalty area.

Everton are on a 12-match unbeaten run and Neville added: "Christmas will be a telling period . We play Manchester United and Arsenal. If we come out of that still in fifth or sixth, we can really attack the second half of the season."

But Moyes disagreed that facing the champions will be a pivotal game. "The acid tests were coming to West Ham twice," he said. "Taking on Manchester United or any of the big four will always be difficult but to come here twice is the real test for the players. They've come through magnificently."

A key factor in whether Everton can keep grinding out results will be their fitness, particularly as they will lose key men to the African Nations Cup. Their squad lacks depth and West Ham showed here what a problem that can be.

Injuries partially explained their insipid display and why the likes of Collins, returning to the side, were shaky. Carlton Cole also lacked fitness and had to be brought off at half-time.

In midfield, Scott Parker was nowhere near his best and Freddie Ljungberg was also suffering.

The Swede said: "I've had a migraine and it takes me about 10 days to get over them."

Curbishley said: "We've got Julien Faubert back in full training. Anton Ferdinand is training next week. The answer is not just to go out and buy players."

FABIO'S FILE

JOLEON LESCOTT (Everton, age 25) This was another confident showing from a player displaying admirable consistency and improvement. His versatility makes him an asset and here he showed his promise at left-back, where England are not spoiled for choice.