Everton 100% home record broken, Soucek vs Rondon & More- Talking points from Everton 0-1 West Ham | OneFootball

A second half set piece goal from Angelo Ogbonna saw West Ham leapfrog Everton in the league table as they came away with a fine 1-0 win from Goodison Park. Here are our talking points from today afternoon’s clash.

First Everton home league defeat of the 21/22 season:

Everton had won all three of their home league games in 2021/22 at Goodison Park prior to this game, which meant this was the first PL home defeat of the season for Rafa Benitez’s men.

It was an impressive scalp on the road given Everton’s general success against West Ham in the league (their record against the Hammers is their best against any Premier League team)

Crucial Iwobi first half chance

West Ham dominated the first half in terms of possession (69%), but the best chance in that period actually went to Everton, with Alex Iwobi fluffing a golden chance inside the box.

Strong defensive performance plus blocks from Ogbonna and Zouma

Everton did have a few chances, but West Ham’s defenders were willing to put their body on the line to block attempts- both Ogbonna and Zouma did so at crucial points in the game. It was a fine defensive performance from the Hammers, who eventually finished with a back five and managed a well deserved clean sheet.

Soucek injury caused by Rondon stamp

Tomas Soucek had a decent game, but was forced off late in the second half after being stamped on the face by Rondon. That saw the Hammers revert to the five at the back formation mentioned above, with Craig Dawson replacing the Czech star.

First start of the season for Ben Johnson

With Coufal and Ryan Fredericks both injured, this was a first league start of the season for Ben Johnson. He gave a fairly good account of himself and grew into the game as it progressed.

Everton 0-1 West Ham (Ogbonna 74′)

xG Everton 0.98-1.74 West Ham