The former England captain caught Joe Hart off his line and scored the sweetest of strikes at Goodison Park
WAYNE ROONEY rolled back the years with one of the best goals of his career to complete a stunning hat-trick against West Ham.
The former England striker had a stormer in front of new Toffees boss Sam Allardyce, who was in the stands to see his new team smash the Hammers 4-0.
Rooney had scored two in the first-half, missing a penalty but scoring on the rebound and adding a tap-in at the far post.
But his best was to come later on.
After a long ball over the top, Joe Hart rushed out to make a clearance - but the ball fell to Rooney who, inside his own half, sent the ball sailing back over Hart's head.
It was the first hat-trick in 2,272 days for Rooney, who last scored three in a game against Bolton Wanderers on September 10, 2011.
The goal will surely go down as one of the goals of the season - and one of the best of his career.
Speaking after the game, Rooney said it might be the best goal of his career.
He told Sky Sports: "It's one of, if not the best, I've scored.
"I hit it as well as I've ever kicked a football.
"To make it my first hat-trick for Everton, I'm delighted."
Rooney also made sure to thank David Unsworth, who managed for the final time as caretaker.
The former Toffees defender has been in charge since Ronald Koeman was sacked a month ago but will be replaced by Sam Allardyce, who was at Goodison Park.
"I'm sure we'll enjoy tonight, but first of all we've got to give thanks to David Unsworth," added ex-England captain Rooney.
"He's stepped in at a difficult time for the football club, he's a true Everton person.
"I'm delighted for him we've got this victory because it's an important win for the club but also for David Unsworth."
