New manager earns point in debut match as Jarrod Bowen’s equalizer cancels out Michael Keane’s opener at Goodison Park
LIVERPOOL, England – Nuno Espirito Santo started his West Ham tenure with a 1-1 draw against Everton as Jarrod Bowen’s second-half equalizer rescued a point on Monday night.
Nuno’s Quick Start After Potter Dismissal
Talk about being thrown in at the deep end. Nuno took charge of his first match as Hammers boss just 48 hours after West Ham hired him to replace the sacked Graham Potter. Two training sessions. That’s all the Portuguese manager had to work with his new squad before facing Everton at Goodison Park.
You could see the rust. Michael Keane gave Everton a first-half lead before Bowen’s second-half strike saved Nuno from a debut defeat. The result marked only the second time in seven games this season that West Ham managed to avoid losing, hardly the stuff of champions.
Potter’s dismissal on Saturday came after eight months that never really clicked. West Ham sitting in 19th place following that 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace was the final straw. The board moved quickly to bring in Nuno, though whether his experience of keeping Forest and Wolves up will translate here remains to be seen.
West Ham’s Ongoing Struggles Continue
Four points from six games. Second bottom of the Premier League. The numbers don’t lie, and they’re not pretty for the east London club.
Their defensive issues reared their ugly head again, seven goals conceded from set pieces this season tells its own story. Everton’s opener in the 18th minute followed a depressingly familiar script. Areola punched a corner to the edge of the area, but James Garner had all the time in the world to work the ball wide. His cross found Keane completely unmarked, and the defender’s header flew into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
Nuno scratched his head in frustration watching the replay. Meanwhile, West Ham’s traveling supporters made their feelings clear with chants of “sack the board.” You can’t really blame them, this defensive fragility has been going on for months.
The Moyes Factor
Here’s where it gets interesting. Everton’s manager? David Moyes, the same David Moyes who won West Ham their first trophy in 43 years with that Conference League triumph in 2023. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone.
Many West Ham fans are probably wondering if letting Moyes go was a mistake. His Everton side looked organized, controlled large chunks of the game, and created several decent chances. Dewsbury-Hall’s header fizzed just wide in the first half. O’Brien blazed over from a good position. Garner forced a save from Areola early in the second half.
The Scottish manager’s defensive discipline was on full display, exactly what West Ham could use right now. Whether the fans’ complaints about his “negative tactics” seem quite so important when you’re second bottom is debatable.
Bowen’s Moment of Quality
West Ham finally stirred when Summerville’s shot was tipped wide by Pickford. It was a warning Everton should have heeded.
The equalizer came in the 65th minute through a bit of individual brilliance. Diouf whipped in a cross, and Bowen showed why he’s been one of West Ham’s few bright spots this season. The England international took his time, sized up his options, then unleashed a strike that deflected off Keane’s head and nestled in the net.
Relief flooded Nuno’s face. For a moment, you could see what West Ham might be capable of when they actually commit players forward. Bowen’s pace and directness could be key to their survival, if they can get the ball to him in dangerous positions more often.
What’s Next for Nuno?
The 51-year-old has quite the task ahead. His CV includes that impressive seventh-place finish with Forest last season, their first European qualification in 30 years. But he was also sacked by Forest earlier this season after falling out with owner Marinakis over transfers. Football can be unforgiving.
This draw gives him something to work with, though the defensive issues won’t fix themselves overnight. West Ham’s next few fixtures could define their season, and Nuno needs to find a way to shore things up while keeping the team’s confidence intact.
Whether two training sessions and a point against Everton is enough to turn this ship around remains to be seen. But at least it’s a start.
AFP
