Football Review | Everton 1 - 1 West Ham

Bowen strike rescues a point for West Ham in Nuno’s first game

Everton squandered their early dominance as Hammers battled back to a draw in Merseyside.

Author | Jamie Pugh

Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium

Jarrod Bowen’s second-half equaliser ensured West Ham avoided defeat in Nuno Espírito Santo’s first match in charge, earning a 1-1 draw away at Everton.

Michael Keane gave the home side the lead with a powerful header from James Garner’s cross, and Everton looked well placed to build on their advantage, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish both prominent. Dewsbury-Hall came closest to doubling the lead with a header that drifted narrowly wide.

But Everton failed to turn their pressure into a decisive second goal and were punished when Bowen struck in the 65th minute, his left-footed effort deflecting off Keane before finding the net. West Ham finished the stronger, offering Nuno encouragement, although the Hammers remain second from bottom on just four points.

West Ham fans were delighted with an improved performance.

After the match, we caught up with several fans who seemed impressed with their side’s improved performance. Granted, there’s a long way to go, but is confidence returning to the West Ham faithful?

West Ham fans first trip to Everton's impressive new stadium

Robert: A much-improved second-half display. El Hadji Malick Diouf and Crysencio Summerville caused constant problems down the left and really stretched the defence. A solid beginning under Nuno. We looked far sharper than we did under Graham Potter, quicker in transition and more aggressive in the challenge. A positive start and hopefully the foundation for better things to come.

Richard: A committed performance. With Potter in charge, we would probably have lost that game. It is still shaping up to be a long season though, and Arsenal away is next.

James: Signs of progress are clear. Set-piece defending remains a weakness, but there was a marked change in mentality. After conceding, we were the stronger side, which has not been the case all season. Encouraging signs.

Matthew: Really enjoyed the second half and the return of counterattacking football that made us so entertaining in the 2021 Jesse Lingard season. Let’s hope supporters remember this in a few years rather than complaining about style and invoking the so-called ‘West Ham way’.