Nuno Espirito Santo was taking charge of West Ham for the first time, and his side claimed a 1-1 draw with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Jordn Pickford made a crucial save from Crysencio Summerville
New West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo acknowledged a moment of brilliance from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but insisted he always believed his side would get back into the contest in the 1-1 draw at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Michael Keane headed the Blues in front in the first half, but despite England number one Pickford denying Crysencio Summerville with an instinctive stop after Jake O’Brien’s back header played the hosts into trouble – the first time he’d been tested all night
Pickford’s international team-mate Jarrod Bowen fired the visitors level soon after with the first goal that David Moyes’ men have conceded in a competitive game at their new home.
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Nuno, who has previous Premier League managerial experience at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, only took charge of the Hammers on Saturday – after predecessor Graham Potter had completed his pre-match media duties, remarked on his return to the dugout: “I love it, it’s my life,” adding: “It was a good chance for Cryo but a fantastic save from Jordan, but our keeper also did good saves. We are always positive that our chances were going to come.
“We have players who can produce these moments but it’s all about how we do things together. It’s not about individuals, it’s about how we can do things together.
“It’s my first game but my first impressions are that the team competed well. It’s a tough place to come, they’re a very good team.
“Overall, I thought it was a good game, intense, both teams had chances and the message for us is that we can compete now. My message at half-time was simple – to compete – the basics of a football match, to defend properly and to attack and try and take advantage.
“We’re in the process of knowing ourselves better so we can have good options, good solutions. This is what we expect of our club.”
Nuno was managing West Ham for the first time
The 51-year-old is now tasked with restoring unity at the London Stadium with visiting supporters chanting anti-board slogans throughout this contest. He said: “My priorities are simple. I don’t want to change too many things.
“When you arrive at a club, it’s all about being slowly progressive, trying to find the right options and solutions. Now we are trying to see how we can take advantage of what we’ve got and improve the group, we’re looking at the players and trying to improve them.”
Following the full-time whistle, Nuno took his players over to the north-east corner of Hill Dickinson Stadium to spend a prolonged period by their fans. He said: “What I think is important is to appreciate what our fans did, travelling to Liverpool on a Monday night and giving the support they gave. Of course it’s our main priority to be closer to our fans to bridge the gap.
“We have to deliver so they can appreciate the work of the boys. It was a nice moment for us and moving forward it’s important to have this bond.
“We’re only just starting now. We have a lot of work in front of us, but we are delighted and embrace the challenge.”