Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham United battled back from a half-time deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Everton on Merseyside, becoming the first away side to hit the net at the Toffees’ new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While it had been a difficult week on the road for Everton, their formidable form at their brand new ground gave them cause for confidence.
Early efforts from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye barely troubled Alphonse Areola, but the hosts broke the deadlock inside 20 minutes when James Garner dropped an inswinging cross onto the head of an unmarked Michael Keane, who bulleted his header over the goalkeeper.
West Ham’s eighth goal conceded in the aftermath of a corner kick this season didn’t do much for their morale, and Everton had further chances to increase their lead.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall went particularly close as he headed just wide, but the visitors started to get back into it just prior to the break, driven forward especially by the lively Crysencio Summerville. But the Toffees knew they needed a second goal to really get comfortable, and had chances to do so through both Idrissa Gueye and Garner as the second half got underway.
Taking advantage of those missed opportunities, the visitors finally burst into life on the hour mark, and Summerville nearly prodded in after pouncing on a mistake from Jake O’Brien.
But the Hammers did soon get their reward after El Hadji Malick Diouf thundered down the right, his cross eventually finding Jarrod Bowen, who curled a left-footed finish past Jordan Pickford.
Espirito Santo urged his side to keep the pressure on, and Bowen's next effort was deflected just short of the near post in the ensuing fervour.
The hosts looked increasingly nervous as the final whistle grew closer and their opponents grew stronger, but West Ham’s lack of composure in the box meant there was to be no further twist in the tale.
Despite conceding for the first time at this venue, Everton retain their unbeaten record and arguably looked the better of the two sides to boot.
Espirito Santo will no doubt be the happier of the two managers, with his side earning a valuable point on the road just two days into his tenure.
Flashscore Man of the Match: James Garner (Everton)
