BIRMINGHAM: Romelu Lukaku scored two goals and set up another against his former club as Everton rallied from two goals down to sink West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in the Premier League on Monday.

Roberto Martinez’s side looked destined for a defeat when Craig Dawson added to Saido Berahino’s first half opener to put Albion 2-0 up with 54 minutes gone at the Hawthorns.

But Belgium forward Lukaku started the fightback almost immediately when he headed in a perfect cross from Gerard Deulofeu, who provided a constant threat down the right flank.

Lukaku then turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass through the West Brom defence to set up Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone for the equaliser in the 75th before bagging the winner with only six minutes left.

Everton’s away victory took their unbeaten run to four games in the league and lifted manager Roberto Martinez’s team up to fifth in the table with 12 points from seven games.

“The first half was not too good and at halftime the manager woke us up and the experienced players spoke up,” Lukaku told Sky Sports. “I knew the first goal was crucial. I knew that we could win the game.”

West Brom’s defeat dropped Tony Pulis’ team one place to 15th on eight points.

“The first goal kills us. We should deal with it,” Pulis said. “The other two goals are poor goals, the second one looks offside. We switched off and Everton will punish you.”

Published in Dawn September 30th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play