Everton’s European hopes took a huge hit as West Ham secured three important points in their battle to avoid relegation.
Tomas Soucek gave the Hammer the lead early in the second half, as Everton were once again undone by a set-piece.
The Blues responded with the introduction of Tyrique George who caused problems and Thierno Barry had an effort which deflected onto the bar from Soucek.
Everton thought they rescued a point as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hammered home and now has got eight goals this season.
However two minutes into added time El Hadji Malick Diouf crossed in from deep and Jarrod Bowen headed the ball across, which fell to the feet of Wilson who fired home and secured a precious victory.
Next up for Everton is against Manchester City and have four games left to try and secure European football.
Set-piece woes continue
Tomas Soucek’s opening goal was identical to Virgil Van Dijk’s late winner last weekend. It’s been a theme which has been constant all season, and proving to be a detriment for the Blues.
Everton have looked vulnerable defending corners all season with conceding goals against Newcastle, Brentford and twice against Spurs.
Another recurring issue has been defending free-kicks with Bournemouth getting joy from it back in January. The Toffees have also allowed crosses in throughout the season which has proved costly.
European aspirations fading away?
At the start of the season if you said with four games to go Everton are just three points of sixth, Evertonians would have gladly taken that position. However since the Chelsea victory, The Blues have lost all momentum.
Everton rescued a point against Brentford before suffering a cruel defeat to Liverpool in the first derby at Hill Dickinson, and conceded late on against the Hammers.
The Toffees have fallen behind on 17 occasions this season and have only managed to come behind and win twice. Which came against Crystal Palace and Fulham.
When Everton have fallen behind first they’ve lost on 12 occasions. They’re still firmly in the mix for Europe but in recent weeks have squandered a huge opportunity.
Lack of options off the bench?
A big concern for Everton is that when they do fall behind they struggle to respond and does that highlight the squad depth, and the potential lack of options?
Everton brought in Tyler Dibling who has struggled to get a look in, with the 20-year-old last featuring against Burnley in what was a one-minute cameo.
Dibling hasn’t featured in 11 of Everton’s last 14 matches. Similar has been with Adam Aznou who has only made one appearance all season.
Carlos Alcaraz has just returned from injury but has only played 677 minutes in the league, and Merlin Rohl has struggled to feature.
Goals from the bench have been hard to come by with it only happening three times all season.
Injuries have come at the wrong time for Everton as with Jarrad Branthwaite, they miss out on his ball playing abilities which helps with build up play. Branthwaite’s recovery pass also plays a huge importance for Everton.
Jack Grealish hasn’t featured since the 1-0 victory against Aston Villa and had two goals and six assists which have been missed.
Beto’s absence against West Ham was another blow as the forward has scored six goals in his past 10 games.
What does Everton’s run-in look like?
David Moyes’s side have two home games against Manchester City, who are competing for a domestic treble and Sunderland, who are in and around Everton in the league.
On their travels Everton face Crystal Palace, which could be a distraction for the Eagles, as they face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League. On the final day of the season Everton face Tottenham, in which could be vital for Spurs in their bid to avoid relegation.
All is not lost for David Moyes’s side but with Bournemouth being unbeaten in their last 14 matches, and Brighton winning six out of their last eight matches, it’s now Everton doing the chasing.