West Ham United v Everton
Eighty minutes of this game provided little to talk about or feel enthused over - but who cares when the final 10 minutes was able to dish up three thrilling moments!
Everton were facing defeat as the game entered the final 10 minutes, courtesy of Jack Collinson's 63rd minute strike.
But, after struggling to light the blue-touch paper during a frustrating 80 minutes, Everton exploded into life.
Louis Saha was the hero for the second time in a week - turning provider for the equaliser before netting the second and third goals of his Goodison career to put the game beyond doubt and provide a massive boost to the Toffees.
Louis Saha in the torrential rain
Ten points from the last 12 available have rocketed Everton up the Premier League table. And it is no coincidence that each of the three victories secured during that period have come courtesy of late goals.
That is the measure of this side. And a sign of things to come. Because for so much of this game Everton failed to play anywhere near their best.
But class told. Saha's cracking cross was guided home by Joleon Lescott for his first goal of the season.
Then a deft finish and a thunderbolt from the French international triggered joyous scenes on and off the pitch.
Joseph Yobo and Craig Bellamy battle for an aerial ball
The first shot on goal came after just 50 seconds, courtesy of a Saha volley that flew narrowly wide.
Craig Bellamy blasted over from 12 yards midway through the opening half.
Freddie Sears produced the best chance of a quiet opening third though - forcing Tim Howard into a stunning finger-tip save with a snapshot from eight yards. Howard did superbly to divert the ball onto the crossbar.
Howard was in action again minutes before the interval - denying Sears again.
Chances were few and far between at the other end, although Osman did have a snapshot on the stroke of half-time that flew over.
Louis Saha tussles with James Collins
The second period played out in a very similar vein, with chances limited at both ends. Jack Rodwell curled an effort wide from distance and then saw a glancing header from an Arteta corner bounce agonisingly wide of the upright.
But it was the home side who took the lead. A neat goal, a deft back heel from sub Matt Etherington to fellow sub Jack Collinson presented the youngster with a shot on goal and he produced a good finish, firing the ball beyond Howard into the far corner of the net.
Manager David Moyes made an instant change, introducing James Vaughan in place of the defensive midfielder, Jack Rodwell.
And the young striker had a great opportunity to level with 17 minutes of the game remaining when Lescott nodded a Jagielka free-kick across the face of goal. But the forward couldn't make a strong enough contact with the ball as he dived into the six-yard box.
There were further chances from corners for the Toffees. But West Ham also posed a constant threat with their pace on the counter-attack as the contest entered the final stages.
But it was the Blues who found the next goal. Everton's best piece of build-up play led to the goal - Leon Osman picking out an intelligent run from Saha, with the French striker finding the space to deliver a tantalising cross which Lescott powered into the corner of the net from close range. His first goal of the season - it provided a timely fillip to the Everton faithful.
And two minutes later - with just six minutes of the contest left to play, Everton were ahead.
This time Saha was the scorer, guiding a low cross from Anichebe into the corner of the net. Two minutes later and the contest was all over.
Saha produced a thunderbolt from the edge of the box and the Evertonians erupted. Within minutes there were more Everton fans left in the stadium than Hammers followers. Their afternoon had been ruined - but Everton's party was only just getting started.
And a glance at the Premier League table merely adds to the sense of delight.
0
51