Fan blogger Joe Difford returns with his latest look at the Hammers…
After last season’s phenomenal comeback at Goodison Park that saw Dimitri Payet poke home a last minute winner, fans were optimistic about Sunday’s game with Everton. What raised expectations even more was the fact that we had confidently beaten a strong Chelsea side last Wednesday in the EFL Cup and made it four games unbeaten.
Unfortunately for us, Romelu Lukaku continued his remarkable goal scoring record against the Hammers, and we were unable to pick up the three points that would have taken us almost into the top half of the Premier League table.
Michail Antonio, who was playing as a striker once again, was lively from the off, beating anyone who tried to stand in his way, but unfortunately his instinct to run out to the flanks combined with our lack of a fit and firing striker meant that his efforts were in vein.
Manuel Lanzini and Payet did what everyone expected, and dazzled with their interplay and neat one touch passing, carving the Everton defence open on a number of occasions.
Up the other end of the field, Adrian was back to his best, making a number of world class saves, including one special stop where he managed to extend an arm mid-dive to keep out an effort from close range.
But just as it seemed we could push for an opener, Lukaku did what he does best, slotting home against Slaven Bilic and Co. after some fast and impressive build up play.
1-0 would have been a tough result to take but one that wouldn’t hurt too much considering our form at Goodison Park over the years, but the second goal was frustrating as we were in their half and looking to snatch an equaliser.
Everton broke on the counter and moved the ball out wide, before crossing to the back post where Ross Barkley was waiting to volley home an impressive effort into the bottom corner.
After three fantastic wins on the trot, a loss away isn’t the worst result, but with a tough run of fixtures coming up in November and December that include Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, we must take all three points when Stoke City visit next week.
Unfortunately, Winston Reid picked up a yellow card and will miss the game, but it could be a great opportunity for James Collins or Reece Oxford to step up and impress alongside the experienced Angelo Ogbonna and Cheikhou Kouyate.
Fans will also be hoping to see more of Edimilson Fernandes who has been excellent in his first two Premier League appearances for the club.
The start to the season hasn’t been perfect, and the loss to Everton undoubtedly hurt our momentum, but if we can get Simone Zaza or perhaps Ashley Fletcher to open their goal scoring accounts, we could turn this great football into great results.
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The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United