We're at the Floirin in Holloway Road for the start of the Nuno Espirito Santo era. North London Irons Matt, Chief Super Sub Lisa and Denis join me over some well-kept pints of Guinness (at only £4.90 a pint) and lashings of Tayto crisps. Ward-Prowse is out of the squad, which seems a little unfair on a good pro, as is Todibo, while Magassa starts.
The first half sees a lot of Everton pressure and some grittier defending from the Hammers with Kilman and Mavropanos making some decent blocks. Magassa grows into the game and makes some good tackles, he picks up a yellow card but looks like the big strong CDM we need. Summerville is our likeliest outlet.
Everton take the lead after a corner. Areola makes a good punch away but the ball is recycled to Garner on the left. He's in too much space and Keane gets in front of Fullkrug to score with a thumping header over Areola. It's nearly two when Dewsbury-Hall fluffs another headed chance.
The second half sees West Ham gain in confidence. Summerville latches on to a poor defensive header and forces a good save from Pickford. The equaliser comes when Summerville shows good skill to find Diouf on the left. The full-back appears to be on a moped as he races clear of two defenders and pings in a fine cross. It's headed away by Keane to Bowen, who cuts inside and powers it home aided by a slight deflection. Jarrod runs to the away fan and holds his badge.
The Moyes derby is so exciting that Denis forgets his plans to go home and watch Belfast cop drama Blue Lights. Nuno looks more animated on the bench than Potter, accompanied by a mystery bloke in glasses.
Areola has to make a fine low save from Garner but it's West Ham who look likelier to win it at the end as they gain a number of corners. Paqueta should shoot but tries to beat a man too many as Moyes starts to look agitated. Freddie Potts is on for the carded Magassa and does well in his cameo while Nuno wastes some time on 94 minutes by bringing on Igor and Irving.
So a morale-boosting away point and a much better performance. Nuno kept it simple and built from a solid defence, which suited these players better. Everyone put in a shift and Jimmy Summerville, Diouf and Bowen had fine games. Now all we have to do is get a result at the Emirates. COYI!
1 comment:
Such a relief if I am honest, we looked much more like a team playing last night much more quick forward passing, Diouf was impressive when he got going, and the link up play with Summerville looks encouraging, and I liked the look of Magassa in his first proper game, we are still overly dependant on Bowen, and I thought Callum Wilson should have come on for Fulkrug who looked tired. Maybe just maybe we can turn it around and stay up this year in a very competitive league. Arsenal next ! they are good, but as long as we play like last night I am happy. COYI
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