Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Max Wilkins

Wed 1 October 2025 11:10, UK

West Ham put in a much-improved performance as Nuno Espirito Santo took charge of his first match against Everton.

Nuno was named as West Ham manager with just two days to plan before he took his new side to Merseyside on Monday night.

This came as a shock to many after Graham Potter took up media duties at West Ham less than 24 hours before the ex-Nottingham Forest boss came in.

West Ham secured a 1-1 draw at Everton in the midst of this turmoil as a Jarrod Bowen equaliser sealed a much-deserved point at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Nuno may not have secured a debut win, but he has already proven himself to be better than Potter away from the London Stadium.

Nuno Espirito Santo brings attacking intensity to West Ham

Frustration surrounded the reign of the former Chelsea boss as the Hammers’ form continued to slump throughout his tenure.

Conceding from set pieces emerged as a key concern in East London, something that needs to be improved under the new regime.

Michael Keane’s goal for Everton against West Ham did come from a dead-ball scenario, much to the frustration of Nuno in L4.

Besides this, the Portuguese manager’s men were much improved against the Toffees as intensity was finally on show for all to see.

This saw the Irons register season-high levels for multiple key metrics, with shots, penalty area entries and touches in the opposition box catching the eye in an attacking sense.

Having taken aim against Jordan Pickford 14 times, the Irons beat their own record in a league match this campaign by two shots.

This approach can only help the claret and blue outfit in front of goal, having netted only five league goals this season under Potter.

• Read more: Nuno has already identified a key West Ham problem after the Everton draw

Nuno also boosted West Ham defensively vs Everton

With an attacking mindset on display against David Moyes’ side, concerns may have arisen over the defensive output of the Hammers.

This wasn’t the case, as Nuno also managed to get the best of his side at the back, regardless of being more menacing going forward.

West Ham also registered their highest numbers in tackles, possession won and recovery numbers for the campaign on Merseyside.

This once again showcases the high intensity under Nuno, with these metrics proving the work ethic of this claret and blue side under the former Wolves boss.

If this level can continue further into the 51-year-old’s reign, the manager and his side are likely to capture the imagination of the London Stadium faithful once more.

Nuno can redefine ‘The West Ham Way’

It may be early in his spell as boss in East London, but there are already many plus points to delve into.

This all-action approach was effective, particularly in the second half, against Everton, and there will be hopes that it can continue every week.

The Hammers registered more expected goals, shots, big chances and corners than the Toffees, pointing towards a likely win on another day.

Everton vs West Ham stats compared

• Expected goals: 0.73 – 1.19
• Shots: 12 – 14
• Big chances: 0 – 1
• Corners: 3 – 5

This would have only added to the positivity surrounding Nuno, who could adapt his ideology to make the Irons a high-tempo side that is a nightmare to play against.

To go from the frustration of Potter to this seemingly exciting and effective output is unlikely to reflect well on the Englishman after his deserved exit.

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