Everton 1 West Ham 0
This wasn't pleasant reading via text updates while on the train from Oxenholme to Euston. Those who watched it live say the Hammers didn't really get going until the last 20 minutes. Bowen had a dangerous cross well-cleared by Coady early on in a dull first half. The second half began with Bowen firing over, but then saw Maupay spin well to fire in a fine shot from the edge of the area. Kehrer should have been tighter on the former Brighton man who always scores against us.
After that the Irons were unlucky. Soucek saw a header flash across the goal-line from a West Ham corner. An excellent tackle from the Czech then released Benrahma, who beat Begovic only to strike the inside of the post. Bowen had a goalbound shot blocked and a fine tackle from Patterson denied Cornet.
So the poor league start to the season continues, though it has to be said the signings of Coady, Tarkowski, Gueye and Onana have vastly improved Big Fat Frank's Everton side. I'm not panicking yet, and we would have another point but for the world's worst VAR decision at Chelsea. Playing three of last season's top four in Man City, Spurs and Chelsea in the first seven matches hasn't helped. We've also hit the woodwork four times this season and missed a penalty, though as my pal Michael the Whovian says, "I get the feeling it's going to be an unlucky season."
But despite several close matches there are problems in that Moyes has yet to find an effective attacking combination from Bowen, Antonio, Cornet and Scamacca while Paquetta is still adjusting to the pace of the Premier League. And we certainly should have tested Everton's reserve keeper a lot more. Though you do get the feeling that when it all clicks we might give someone a tonking. For the next game against Wolves I'd start Benrahma, Scamacca and Cornet and give the ever-reliable Craig Dawson a game at the back. The international break comes at a good time for West Ham and now is the time to regroup and bed in the new signings.
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