In the game that kicked off this weekend’s Premier League action, West Ham United produced one of their best displays of the season so far to defeat Everton at Goodison Park and claim all three points. Today, we’ll be taking a look at a few things we’ve come to learn about both sides after they got 2021 started in style.
The Digne effect
It seems somewhat ridiculous to imply that one player can completely change the momentum of a team, but for the Toffees, they are definitely lacking the intensity and creativity of Lucas Digne. When this team is at full strength they are really tough to beat, and Carlo Ancelotti will be well aware of that fact. They also need to see James Rodriguez return to full fitness if they’re serious about a sustained top four push, but in terms of obvious absences, Digne is one man who Everton can’t afford to miss for too much longer.
Soucek is the real deal
Tomas Soucek has gone from random Czech player to one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and that transition happened in the blink of an eye. The 25-year-old has been at the heart of so many big moments for the Hammers this season and we can’t imagine that’s going to stop being the case anytime soon. The club clearly recognises that he is someone who needs to be at the forefront of what they’re trying to accomplish, and West Ham supporters around the world should be excited about what the future holds for him.
Moyes deserves respect
West Ham United are priced at 50/1 to be relegated from the Premier League this season with 888sport. At the start of the campaign that would’ve been unthinkable, and this surge of form is a real testament to what David Moyes has been able to accomplish. They are legitimate contenders for a place in the top half of the table and if you don’t believe us, just look at the string of results they’ve been able to put together so far. They mean business at this level and we’re intrigued to see where they go from here.
Match Report
Everton: Pickford (6.5), Godfrey (6.5), Holgate (7), Mina (7), Coleman (6), Davies (7), Doucoure (7), Bernard (6), Sigurdsson (6.5), Richarlison (6.5), Calvert-Lewin (6.5), Tosun (6), Gomes (6), Rodriguez (6)
West Ham: Randolph (7), Coufal (7), Dawson (7), Ogbonna (7.5), Cresswell (7), Rice (7.5), Soucek (8), Bowen (7), Benrahma (6.5), Fornals (6.5), Haller (6), Antonio (7), Yaromlenko (6), Lanzini (6.5)
Referee: Kevin Friend
Goals: Soucek
Yellow Cards: Godfrey, Davies
Red Cards: N/A
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