The first half against Everton was predictably dull as both sides sought to cancel each other out in a bore-fest that was only punctuated by a super Jarrod Bowen volley well stopped by Pickford and an almost comical penalty award. Even I, who am not the most avid Mavropanos supporter could see that the Greek was not at fault as Beto kicked the ground and fell over.
Tomas Soucek in the first half was industrious, chugging around completing his defensive midfield duties without fuss or spectacle. Job done at half time, Potter made changes and pushed Soucek further forward to try and take the game to Everton.
Ironically, in a carbon copy of how Soucek succeeded in his first season for Moyes, playing as an advanced midfielder and being ready at the edge of the penalty box enabled Tornado Tom to latch onto Bowens clever (left!) winger-work and fire home a superbly hit, curling goal right into the corner, having miraculously somehow got the ball out from under his feet. Pickford, no chance, West Ham, one up.
Having bailed Moyes out on countless occasions in that first season before he got stuck ‘in the ranks’ to allow Rice to maraud forwards, the Hammers’ 28 has now bailed out Graham Potter in similar fashion, by popping up with a priceless goal just when it looked like West Ham were never going to score.
Tomas Soucek proved his worth today
Soucek showed his defensive value later in the afternoon by getting his head to several crosses as Everton piled on the pressure seeking their equaliser.
Any thoughts of selling the Czech to his number one fan David Moyes at Everton in the summer must now surely be consigned to the circular file in Graham Potter’s office.
