A couple matches on the bench awakened Wayne Rooney’s finishing.
The English legend scored on the rebound of his penalty kick, then added a second before launching an audacious goal from inside his own half.
[ RECAP: Everton 4-0 West Ham ]
Quite a hat trick for the Everton man, and a much-needed highlight reel performance as the Toffees belted West Ham United 4-0.
Here’s Rooney after his 203rd, 204th, and 205th goals of his outstanding Premier League career, via the BBC:“We had to win. We had to stand up and show what good players we are. It’s the first step of where we want to go - moving up the league.
“It wasn’t the best penalty, I was fortunate to get the rebound. The third goal, it fell to me, Joe’s out of his goal and I thought I’ll have a go and I hit it sweet. I tried to hit it hard and keep it under control. It was a perfect moment.”
Rooney admitted his pleasure at sending caretaker boss David Unsworth off in style, and said he has confidence Sam Allardyce will help the Toffees steady their ship.
But more than anything else, it was good see to Rooney put forth a classic performance after a year’s worth of grief from club and country media.