Everton and West Ham played out a tense 1-1 draw on Monday evening at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, in a match that will be remembered as the start of the Nuno Espírito Santo era at the London club and as yet another case of frustrated optimism for David Moyes’s side.
Despite dominating substantial phases, Everton could not find a winner, while West Ham showed resilience and tactical shifts to claim a point in what was a spirited second-half comeback.
Everton started with purpose and intent, pressing high, probing down the flanks and creating early moments of danger. The opening breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute after a well-worked set piece.
A corner was recycled by James Garner, whose left-wing cross found Michael Keane unmarked inside the box, and the defender powered a header past Alphonse Areola and into the net. That strike made it eight goals conceded by West Ham this season from corners — an admitted structural weakness that had drawn criticism heading into the contest.
With the lead in hand, Everton largely controlled the tempo and maintained territorial pressure. They looked comfortable defensively, with Tarkowski and Keane dealing well with West Ham’s attempts to build from the back.
Moyes’s side threatened again toward the end of the first half, as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall glanced a header just wide, but the Blues went into the break satisfied with their position.
A point on the road pic.twitter.com/RIAXHgajHK
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 29, 2025
The second period saw West Ham come out with renewed urgency. Nuno – who had been appointed just two days before the match following Graham Potter’s dismissal — made his tactical intentions clear through substitutions and formation adjustments. He omitted James Ward-Prowse from the squad entirely, signalling a sharp shift in approach from the outset.
Everton pressed for a second goal, but were unable to pierce a growing West Ham resistance. Beto squandered opportunities, and a low Jack Grealish cross that ricocheted off Areola and struck Mavropanos’s arm raised penalty appeals, but VAR refused. When West Ham finally broke through, their method was ruthless.
In the 65th minute, El Hadji Malick Diouf sprinted past defenders and whipped in a dangerous ball toward the far post. Keane’s attempted clearance proved only partial, and the loose ball fell to Jarrod Bowen, who cut inside and curled a decisive strike beyond Pickford. That goal made Bowen the first visiting player to score in the Premier League at Everton’s new stadium.
From that point West Ham sought the initiative, pressing higher and probing Everton’s backline. Bowen nearly earned another when his shot deflected wide, and the visitors forced moments of nervousness at the heart of the Everton defense.
Moyes responded with changes, introducing Tyler Dibling and reshuffling midfield to reignite attacks, but the Blues could not reclaim control. A pivotal moment came late when Everton appealed for a handball in the box; after VAR review nothing was given, leaving the hosts unable to push for a dramatic winner.
The final whistle brought relief for West Ham, who had salvaged a point under new leadership. For Everton, it was a case of two points dropped — another drawn home game in which the finishing touch proved elusive.
For West Ham, the result felt like a statement. They showed adaptability, fight and tactical discipline when needed.