Those that attended West Ham United matches during the 1999-2000 Premier League season could not have complained that they did not receive value for money.
After all, when Everton made the trip to Upton Park 14 years ago today, they faced a host that had scored 17 goals and conceded the same number during their previous eight outings.
As well as Frank Lampard and Paolo Di Canio, West Ham manager Harry Redknapp was without the services of goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, who broke his leg during the 5-4 victory over Bradford City last time out.
The absence of the experienced keeper was to prove costly in the eighth minute when his replacement, Sasa Ilic, failed to hold on to a cross from Michael Ball and Everton midfielder Nicky Barmby was on hand to turn in the rebound from close range.
The Toffees continued to dominate proceedings as the half wore on, but they were unable to add to their tally before the break.
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There was no such problem after the restart, though. Moments after John Collins had rattled Ilic's crossbar with a strike from 30 yards out, Barmby claimed his second of the afternoon in the 64th minute. Kevin Campbell was the creator, rolling the ball into the path of the England international, who slotted the ball underneath the stand-in West Ham shot-stopper.
Then, just three minutes later, Barmby completed his first hat-trick for the club. On this occasion he was slightly fortuitous as his shot deflected over a stranded Ilic and into the net.
Matters worsened further for the Hammers 19 minutes from time as defender Rio Ferdinand underhit a pass back to Ilic. Barmby reacted quickly to inherit possession, before turning provider for Joe-Max Moore to roll in his sixth goal in seven appearances.
After the final whistle had been blown, a disgruntled Redknapp told reporters: "One or two players keep telling me they are internationals, but they have done themselves no favours today. It was a woeful performance and I've told them exactly what I think of it. Too many of them keep reading how great they are and they should be in this team or another, and they were brought down to earth in this one."
WEST HAM: Ilic; Stimac, Ferdinand, Pearce; Sinclair, Lomas, Moncur, Cole, Keller; Wanchope, Kitson
EVERTON: Myhre; Weir, Gough, Unsworth, Xavier, Ball; Barmby (Ward), Pembridge, Collins; Campbell, Moore
Liam Apicella
