Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure as West Ham manager began with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Everton, offering a glimmer of hope for the struggling Hammers. Appointed just days prior after the dismissal of Graham Potter, Nuno had limited time to implement his ideas, but the team showed resilience and determination to secure a point at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

West Ham entered the match in 19th place in the Premier League table, having lost four of their first five games. The swift managerial change underscores the urgency to reverse their fortunes. Nuno's immediate impact was evident in his decision to drop James Ward-Prowse, signaling his intent to assert authority and make bold choices.

Everton, managed by former West Ham boss David Moyes, took the lead in the 18th minute through Michael Keane's header from a corner. This exposed West Ham's vulnerability at set pieces, a recurring issue that Nuno will need to address. The Hammers have conceded a concerning number of goals from corners and headed efforts this season.

Despite going behind, West Ham responded positively, creating several chances throughout the match. Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when Jarrod Bowen's shot was deflected into the net, leveling the score. Bowen's goal not only secured a point for his team but also marked the first goal scored by a visiting player at Everton's new stadium.

The draw provides Nuno with a foundation to build upon. While defensive frailties remain, the team displayed a fighting spirit and created enough opportunities to suggest that improvement is possible. West Ham generated an expected goals (xG) total of 1.17 from 14 shots, compared to Everton's 0.73 from 12 attempts, indicating their attacking potential. However, only three of West Ham's shots were on target, highlighting the need for better finishing.

Nuno's arrival is seen as a potential turning point for West Ham, given his track record of revitalizing clubs in difficult situations. He faces the immediate challenge of tightening up the defense and maximizing the team's attacking output.

Looking ahead, West Ham's upcoming fixtures will test Nuno's ability to implement his strategies and instill confidence in the squad. The signs of life shown in the Everton draw offer a platform for Nuno to nurture, as he aims to guide West Ham towards a more secure position in the Premier League.