The 20-year-old’s pace has unsettled opposing defences already this season but this was an afternoon for him to forget, Hines largely dealt with by the Everton defence and, when temporarily breaking free of his shackles, missing a brace of gilt-edged chances during the second half.

For all West Ham’s first-half possession, the only occasion Howard was called into meaningful action was when saving at his near post after Scott Parker tricked his way past Joseph Yobo inside the penalty area.

The only other moment of mild danger for Everton came early on when Guillermo Franco couldn’t gain a good enough connection to Julien Faubert’s driven cross from the right, while at the other end Saha almost grabbed a second shortly before the break when stretching to head wide Gosling’s corner.

Dominant in midfield and comfortable in defence, this was precisely the type of situation from which Everton have become dab-hands in recent seasons at seeing out the game and claiming three points with a minimum of fuss.

That job should have been made easier by their lead being doubled on 64 minutes, Yakubu – on for Saha – rolling the ball into the path of Gosling who, after his initial effort was parried back to him by Green, saw his second shot deflected in.

But within a minute West Ham were gifted a route back into the game.

Alessandro Diamanti’s pass over the top released fellow substitute Junior Stanislas, who cleverly lifted the ball over the approaching Howard.

There was still enough time for Hibbert to clear off the line, but the right-back unfortunately sliced into the roof of his own net.

It gave West Ham hope, and twice inside 60 seconds Everton were grateful for the haplessness of Hines.

First, the youngster toe-poked his effort hurriedly wide after being put away by Parker’s clever pass and was then again off target when an attempted interception by Leighton Baines inadvertently presented a clear shooting opportunity.

Everton could barely get out of their own half and Howard had to beat out a 25-yard free-kick from Diamanti, the same player shot narrowly wide and a mad scramble during injury time ended with Franco’s shot being ushered clear.

But Everton managed to hold on. If ever anyone needed a break, it’s Moyes’s exhausted troops. And after this rearguard action, they deserve it.