West Ham United’s new boss, Nuno Espirito Santo, managed to get a valuable point in his very first game, drawing 1-1 against Everton in Liverpool. 

This result gives the team a boost after they had been losing many matches. Captain Jarrod Bowen scored the key goal, which was extra special because it was the first time an opposing player had scored in a Premier League match at Everton’s new stadium. 

Even with this positive start, Nuno’s team is still close to the bottom of the table and must quickly prepare for a difficult match against Arsenal this weekend.

Everton took the lead early, capitalizing on a familiar weakness for the visitors. 

In the 18th minute, defender Michael Keane scored with an unmarked header off a cross from James Garner following a cleared corner. 

The goal underscored West Ham’s persistent set-piece vulnerability, having now conceded eight times from corners this season.

Despite the defensive lapse, the team showed improved application in the second half, with possession evenly balanced between the two sides. 

West Ham managed 14 total shots compared to Everton’s 12, though Nuno acknowledged the team’s uneven performance. 

“We have to learn so many things. It was a tough game; the reaction of the team was good. There are some positives, some things that are negatives,” the new manager stated.

West Ham found their equalizer in the 65th minute through team captain Jarrod Bowen. 

After receiving a low cross from El Hadji Malick Diouf, Bowen calmly controlled the ball before firing a shot that deflected past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. 

The goal holds historic significance, marking the first time an opposing player has scored in a Premier League match at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The goal moves Bowen closer to a club record, as he is now nine goals shy of Michail Antonio’s record of 68 Premier League strikes for the club, having accumulated 59 league goals in over 200 appearances. 

Winger Crysencio Summerville, who nearly scored himself, earned the player-of-the-match award for his display.

Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed on a three-year contract just two days before the match, following the dismissal of Graham Potter after eight months in charge. 

The manager, who has previous experience guiding both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest to safety, had limited time to prepare his team.

Nuno stressed that his priority was organizational change and team spirit. 

“Our message was very clear: competing like a team and be close to each other,” he explained. 

Although the draw offers a foundation, West Ham faces an immediate challenge with a daunting trip to Arsenal scheduled for Saturday, where their set-piece defending will be severely tested.