Erik Williams
Everton recorded their first Premier League win of the campaign after beating West Ham 1-0 at Goodison Park in a Round of 8 tie. Neil Maupe scored the only goal in the 53rd minute. Thus, the “caramels” finally broke the streak of four consecutive draws, and the defeat sent West Ham into the relegation zone.
Idrissa Gay made his first start for Everton since his return to Goodison. Asmir Begovic replaced the injured Pickford in goal. Expectations that Dominic Calvert-Lewin could return for this fight were not met.
David Moyes made six changes from the Conference League game in the week. Fabianski, Zouma, Bowen, Fornals, Soucek and Antonio are back among the starters.
The Caramels put in a lot of effort in the first half, but couldn’t get a single shot on target. Otherwise, the best opportunity to score before the break was precisely in front of the home team’s goal, but Cody intervened decisively to block Antonio. Bowen then got to the ball and returned it to the penalty area, but there again the ball was cleared.
Close call
Everton took the lead in the 53rd minute when Maupe took on Iwobi’s pass, then the Frenchman turned well to shoot between two West Ham defenders, sending the ball wide of the right-hand post.
The “Hammers” tried to respond. In the 68th minute, Soucek headed in Gray’s cross. The ball went wide of the goal. ¼ hour before the end, Benrama’s shot hit the post. Begovic knocked out a strong shot from Korne in the 84th minute. Shortly after, Cornet found himself in an even clearer position. But at the last minute Patterson was able to knock the ball away from him and prevent a very serious danger. There was a serious scramble in the home penalty area in added time, but Everton still held on to their lead .
