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Premier League highlights: Bowen rescues point for West Ham at Everton
New West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has declared that his “main priority” is fostering a stronger connection between the club’s supporters and players, while acknowledging the significant “amount of work” required to achieve this.
Following recent expressions of fan discontent, chants directed at the club’s leadership were audible during Monday’s 1-1 draw against Everton, Nuno’s inaugural match as manager after succeeding Graham Potter.
However, after Jarrod Bowen’s second-half goal secured a hard-fought point, the former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest manager led his players to the travelling supporters as a gesture of unity and solidarity.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge the dedication of our fans who travelled to Liverpool on a Monday night to provide their support,” he stated. “Bringing the fans closer to the team is our primary objective.”
“We must perform in a way that earns their appreciation for the players’ efforts. This is a crucial step forward.”
Reflecting on his first match in charge, Nuno expressed confidence that his players would “embrace the challenge” after securing a point on the road.
“I felt the team competed admirably,” the Portuguese manager commented. “This is a notoriously difficult venue against a very strong team.”
“Overall, it was a well-contested game with opportunities for both sides. Our focus now is on how we can consistently compete at this level.”
Nuno indicated that he is avoiding sweeping changes to West Ham’s tactics, instead prioritizing incremental improvements.
“The key is simplicity and avoiding excessive alterations,” he explained. “When joining a club mid-season, the approach should be gradual, focusing on identifying the right solutions and steadily enhancing the team.”
Nuno begins West Ham reign with draw at Everton
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‘Keep it simple’ – Nuno reaction to first match as West Ham manager
The statistical differences for West Ham’s performance against Everton were not significantly pronounced compared to their season averages.
This was anticipated, given Nuno’s short tenure and his stated intention to implement “small steps” toward change.
Their 14 shots exceeded their previous five-game average of 10.2 in the Premier League, though their shots on target were slightly fewer.
Notably, they achieved 29 touches in Everton’s penalty area, surpassing their previous average of 19 in other league games.
While their play was marginally more direct – with 13.8% of passes played long compared to 11.6% previously – effective transitions, particularly those involving Crysencio Summerville, proved most threatening against Everton.
Bowen corroborated that Nuno’s approach to the game was “simple and basic.”
“There weren’t a lot of changes because he understands he’s only had two days and it’s been a lot for the players,” the West Ham goalscorer told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He just kept it simple and basic.”
“We’ve got a really good group, who want to do well and get us out of the position we’re in. Regardless of any manager change, we look at ourselves, we take responsibility because we’re the ones who play week in week out.”
“We’ve got to go out on the pitch together and fight in the Premier League every single week.”
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