Tevez double boosts Hammers

Now the 'Gang of Four' and their threat to sue the Premier League - for not docking them points for illegally signing Tevez and Javier Mascherano earlier in the season - looks the major threat to West Ham's top-flight status after six wins in the last eight matches.

Tevez curled in a sublime free-kick for an early opener, added a simple second before laying on a third for Mark Noble.

Gary Speed pulled one back for Bolton on 67 minutes after keeper Rob Green superbly saved from Nicolas Anelka, which was some consolation for new manager Sammy Lee.

It was Tevez who gave the Hammers an 11th-minute lead with a superb free-kick. He was brought down six yards outside the area by Abdoulaye Meite and stepped up to curl a beautiful effort over the wall and wide of helpless keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Tevez grabbed a second goal after 22 minutes. Noble dispossessed Anelka inside his own half and sent Luis Boa Morte scampering away down the left to lay on a simple sidefooted effort for the South American.

Tevez might have had a hat-trick when his powerful shot was beaten out by Jaaskelainen but instead laid on the third for Noble in the 29th minute.

Ivan Campo lost possession and Tevez looked up from the left to see Noble totally unmarked at the far side to volley sweetly home.

Bolton improved after the break and Green made a fine save, turning Anelka's long-range blast round a post before Speed struck for Bolton.

Noble lost the ball to Davies, who found Anelka, and the Frenchman's touch was ideally into Speed's stride for a scoring shot.