Follow all the action live as Everton look to continue their impressive start to the Premier League season when they take on former boss David Moyes’ West Ham United.
Rafael Benítez’s arrival as manager may have been met with, at best, a mixed response from supporters over the summer but the Spaniard’s are working so far, with his side sitting in sixth with 14 points from their opening seven fixtures. New arrivals Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend, who have scored three league goals each since the start of the campaign, have been key to their strong early showings.
West Ham haven’t been too shabby either, though, and are currently three points behind the Toffees in tenth. They did lose last time out against Brentford, but that followed two impressive away victories over Leeds United and Manchester United the EFL Cup. Michail Antonio has scored five goals and assisted three in just six appearances, and is available for selection after missing the international break with Jamaica for logistical reasons. The Hammers have only won of their last seven fixtures against Everton, but their impressive away means the home side can take nothing for granted this afternoon.
Follow all the action below, live.
Moyes vs Benitez
Manager David Moyes has won only two of his 15 Premier League matches as a manager against Rafa Benitez. Will he change that with a win today?
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:47
Everton’s danger man?
Andros Townsend has scored five goals in nine appearances in all competitions for Everton, matching his total tally from his final 79 appearances for Crystal Palace.
However, Townsend has never scored in 14 games against West Ham – his longest drought against any club.
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:44
Moyes on Antonio
Michail Antonio has developed into a dominant forward for West Ham and has been directly involved in eight of West Ham’s 14 Premier League goals this season, with five goals and three assists.
David Moyes believes he’s now ‘firing on all cylinders’ and hopes his good form continues, saying:
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:40
West Ham’s struggles
West Ham have won just once in five league games. However, the Hammers can equal the club Premier League record of seven consecutive away fixtures unbeaten.
They have kept just two clean sheets in their last 18 league matches.
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:36
Everton under Benitez
Everton can win their opening four league matches at Goodison Park for the first time since 1978.
Victory against West Ham would give the Toffees 17 points. It would be their highest tally after eight games of a Premier League season, surpassing the 16 points won in 2004/05 under David Moyes.
Everton have gained a league-high seven points from losing positions in the Premier League this season.
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:33
Moyes on West Ham’s good start
Hammers boss David Moyes says he’s happy with the start his team has made to the season and wants to use it as a platform to kick on and compete in every tournament. He said:
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:30
Head-to-head – Everton vs West Ham
Everton’s tally of 27 Premier League victories versus West Ham is six more than against any other opponent.
However, the Hammers have won three of their last six Premier League matches at Goodison Park, after they were victorious in only two of the previous 19 away meetings.
West Ham can win consecutive away league games against the Toffees for the first time since March 1930 and both Premier League fixtures last season were won 1-0 by the away team.
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:26
Benitez on injured forwards and scoring goals
Rafa Benitez’s have scored 17 goals in nine matches under the Spaniard and only failed to score in one game, against Aston Villa last month.
With forwards Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin missing again today, Benitez believes his squad’s ability to score goals – eight of his players have been on the scoresheet in 2021/22 – has been a key strength so far this season.
“It’s important for the players to realise that the team has to score goals, not just one player,” he said.
“If you rely on just one player it makes it easier for your opponents. It’s important for us to have different players scoring goals, different options and different ways to do it.
“I’m happy with that as a lot of players are attacking, creating and scoring goals.”
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:22
Moyes returns to Goodison Park
David Moyes returns to Goodison Park today where he spent 11 years as manager of Everton from 2002-13. During his pre-match press conference he spoke about returning to Everton and of his respect for manager Rafa Benitez saying:
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:18
Super Sunday
Two Premier League fixtures take place today with Everton hosting West Ham first before Newcastle play their first match under their new owners as they take on Tottenham at 4:30pm.
Everton can move into the top four if they defeat West Ham in the early kick whilst the Hammers would draw level on points with Manchester United with a win.
There’s a buzz of excitement surrounding Newcastle’s new direction but they have a difficult task ahead of them on the pitch today. Steve Bruce remains in charge and they need to win to move out of the relegation zone. Spurs meanwhile will be hoping to keep their winning form going after a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa last time out.
Michael Jones17 October 2021 13:15