Wayne Rooney bagged a hat-trick but Jonjoe Kenny’s display should not be overlooked as Everton battered West Ham 4-0 at Goodison Park.
Any neutrals tuning into Everton’s Premier League clash with fellow strugglers West Ham on Wednesday will have finally understood why Toffees fans were clamouring for Jonjoe Kenny to be handed his chance in the first-team.
The homegrown right-back has endured a few chastening outings in his first few months in the Everton XI, notably slicing a horrible own goal past Jordan Pickford in the 2-0 defeat to Leicester City last month.
But Kenny produced by far his finest performance in the Everton blue as former manager David Moyes returned to Goodison Park in midweek.
Seamus Coleman has been missed badly by The Toffees this season but Kenny finally emerged from the injury-stricken Irishman’s shadow. Linking up brilliantly with Aaron Lennon down the right, West Ham simply could not deal with the youngster’s boundless energy and attacking intent.
It was he who set up Wayne Rooney’s second of a stunning hat-trick and the Everton number 10, who capped a dream evening with a glorious goal from inside his own half, was arguably the only player on the pitch who outshone the relentless Kenny.
No wonder Everton fans are thrilled with his performance. A Premier League 2 winner with David Unsworth’s reserves last season, Kenny has finally shown that he can, and will, step up.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
