Updated at 19.00
RONALD KOEMAN MARKED his 100th game as a Premier League manager in style as Romelu Lukaku inspired Everton to a thrilling 6-3 victory over Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe’s side inflicted Koeman’s first league defeat as Everton boss back in September, and the dramatic 3-3 draw at the Vitality Stadium last term was typical of the Toffees’ defensive woes under Roberto Martinez.
Yet Bournemouth’s resilience was finally ended late on, Lukaku sealing his second hat-trick of the season before adding a fourth – and Everton’s fifth – moments later.
Ireland internationals James McCarthy and Harry Arter also got their names on the scoresheet during the tie, which boosts their chances of playing themselves into the Ireland team that will face Wales in a World Cup qualifier later this year.
Elsewhere, Tony Pulis preserved his fine record against former club Stoke City as West Brom edged to a 1-0 Premier League win at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
The Baggies manager is unbeaten against Stoke since leaving the club for a second time in May 2013 and secured a tight victory through James Morrison’s early strike.
Morrison netted his second goal of the week in the sixth minute, having struck at the same stage of a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
While West Brom’s momentum had been interrupted by a swift equaliser on that occasion, Stoke could make nothing of their first-half possession as the hosts instead created a number of chances.
Erik Pieters missed a golden opportunity in the second half to level the scores, screwing a header across the face of goal as he met a cross unopposed, and West Brom were able to see out the closing stages to claim maximum points.
Goals from Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble inspired West Ham to a comeback 3-1 win at Southampton as Slaven Bilic’s men climbed into ninth in the Premier League.
A debut goal for Manolo Gabbiadini had Southampton fans in raptures, but celebrations were short-lived as West Ham responded with a trio of goals to bounce back in style from the 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Wednesday.
Gabbiadini signed for the club on transfer deadline day during the week, but aside from his dream start, Southampton are struggling with their form.
The Saints have conceded 10 goals in their last three matches across all competitions and are now only seven points above the bottom three.
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