Dominant, but ultimately disappointed; for all the Hammers’ control over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, Slaven Bilic’s men could not find a way past the Toffees’ defence as they recorded a 0-0 draw at London Stadium.
West Ham the better side throughout, all three points should have remained in east London. Instead, Ronald Koeman’s side battled hard to earn a share of the spoils and take a point back to Merseyside.
Missing the likes of skipper Mark Noble, full-back Sam Byram and talisman Andy Carroll, the hosts’ squad was short of regulars, but those who stepped in performed impressively to create a deafening atmosphere at the Club’s new home.
Havard Nordtveit superb in midfield, Arthur Masuaku a constant attacking danger and dependable centre-half Winston Reid impressive on his return, there seemed only one winner for the majority of Saturday afternoon.
And West Ham had the better of a first half which included few goalscoring opportunities.
Jonathan Calleri was lively and dangerous early on, and forced the first corner of the game when his headed attempt from Edimilson Fernandes’ inviting cross was diverted wide via a deflection.
Manuel Lanzini’s resulting corner was just out of reach of Cheikhou Kouyate, looking for his second London Stadium goal in as many games.
With almost half an hour gone, the Hammers forced Everton again to defend as Nordtveit twice struck with venom, but both efforts were well charged down.
Minutes later, Kouyate – like against Swansea – found himself with space 25 yards from goal, but unlike a fortnight ago, the midfielder could not direct his strike on goal.
James Collins headed wide the final opportunity of the half, glancing past the post from Lanzini’s centre, but Slaven Bilic’s men had shown their intent with an impressive display over 45 minutes.
The second period began as the first had ended – with the hosts on top.
Lanzini came inches away from giving his team the lead, but his goal-bound drive from 18 yards smashed the top of Phil Jagielka’s head and was cleared.
Fernandes, bright and lively throughout, struck over from the right-hand-side and with home outfit clearly on top, Lanzini even brought out a stylish rabona cross on the left.
20 minutes from time, Everton finally managed a first attempt at goal, though the young sub Ademola Lookman fired a couple of yards wide from distance.
It was then once again Lanzini’s turn to try his luck, but Stekelenburg did well to hold his deflected curler with Andre Ayew and returning sub Diafra Sakho rushing at him.
And the Senegal forward, making his London Stadium debut, almost ensured it was one to remember, as he had a dangerous shot blocked from wide on the left.
Applauded off on the referee’s whistle, it was a West Ham performance to be proud of, though ultimately not the desired result gained. On to the next one.
West Ham United: Adrian, Fernandes, Fonte, Reid, Collins, Masuaku, Nordtveit, Kouyate (Cresswell 79), Lanzini, Ayew, Calleri (Sakho 62).
Subs not used: Randolph, Fletcher, Holland, Rice, Makasi.
Bookings: Fernandes 33, Fonte 76
Everton: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Schneiderlin, Davies (Lookman 46), Gueye (Barry 46), Mirallas (Calvert-Lewin 72), Barkley, Lukaku.
Subs: Robles, Kone, Barry, Pennington, Kenny.
Bookings: Gueye 27, Williams 60, Barry 67