Everton beats West Ham 3-2 to stay undefeated

LONDON (AP) — Romelu Lukaku scored the winning goal on his debut after Everton twice came from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 in the English Premier League on Saturday.

The Belgium striker headed in a cross from Kevin Mirallas at Upton Park in the 85th minute but needed treatment after clashing heads with Joey O'Brien in the act of scoring.

Lukaku was able to continue as the dominant figure on the pitch and strengthen the suspicion that Chelsea was unwise to send him to Goodison Park on a season-long loan.

"Romelu is the type of striker that influences everyone around him because of the gaps he creates. Other players around him become a threat," Everton manager Roberto Martinez said. "The goal is everything that typifies him — the character and desire to want to be successful. That's why he will be such a big asset.

"He's a very intelligent footballer and I want him to continue enjoying his football because his potential is incredible."

Leighton Baines scored Everton's other goals with two brilliant free kicks.

"We are well aware of the quality Leighton has. The first free kick shows that," Martinez said. "Where he takes his quality to the next level is by scoring with a completely different type of free kick. That's what makes him special.

"Many players around the world are good at free kicks, but he's able to do it a second time. Leighton places the ball wherever he wants at that distance. I think he's unique."

West Ham went ahead in the 31st through Ravel Morrison before Baines equalized in the 62nd with an unstoppable 20-yard free kick beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen into the top left corner.

Mark Noble converted a penalty in the 76th to put the hosts in the lead again after Kevin Nolan was fouled by James McCarthy.

Nolan was dismissed in the 81st for a second yellow card after hacking down Ross Barkley from behind and Baines made it 2-2 with a second impressive dead ball strike in the 83rd.

Everton provisionally moved up five places to fourth — with nine points from five games — and is the only undefeated team in the league.

West Ham has five points from five matches.