Everton and West Ham played out a 1-1 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium , with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side coming from behind to earn a point in his first game in charge. West Ham also became the first visiting team to score at Everton’s new stadium.
Everton had reason to feel confident going into the match, having started well at their new home. Early efforts from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye didn’t trouble West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola too much, but the home side took the lead within 20 minutes. James Garner delivered an excellent inswinging cross that found an unmarked Michael Keane, who headed the ball powerfully past Areola.
This was the eighth goal West Ham have conceded from a corner this season, and their defending from set-pieces continued to be a concern. Everton had chances to double their lead, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall going close with a header. However, just before half-time, West Ham started to push forward more, particularly through the lively Crysencio Summerville.
In the second half, Everton continued to press and looked for a second goal. Idrissa Gueye and James Garner both had opportunities, but neither could convert. That opened the door for West Ham, who began to grow into the game. Summerville nearly scored after capitalising on a mistake by Jake O’Brien, and the visitors kept up the pressure.
Their equaliser came just after the hour mark. El Hadji Malick Diouf made a strong run down the right and sent in a cross, which eventually reached Jarrod Bowen. He controlled it well and curled a left-footed shot past Jordan Pickford to make it 1-1.
Encouraged by their goal, West Ham pushed for a winner. Bowen went close again, with his next shot deflecting just wide of the near post. Everton, who had been in control for much of the match, started to look nervous in the final stages, but West Ham lacked the finishing touch to turn one point into three.
Despite conceding their first goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton remain unbeaten at home and arguably looked the better team overall. But it was West Ham who will feel more satisfied, especially as this was only two days after appointing Nuno Espírito Santo as manager.
