![Everton against West Ham United [PHOTO CREDIT: @Everton]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/01/Eqq2hYBXEAEczoM.jpg?fit=1200%2C678&ssl=1)
Everton have started the year 2021 on a disappointing note following their 0-1 loss to West Ham United in their Premier League tie at Goodison Park on Friday.
Alex Iwobi was conspicuously missing for the Toffees having suffered a slight knock in training in the build-up to Friday’s tie.
Carlo Ancelotti told the media he opted not to risk Iwobi against West Ham but that decision seems to have backfired as Everton failed to hit the right rhythm in the absence of the former Arsenal star.
Iwobi has been a regular figure in Ancelotti’s side since November; starting their last eight matches across all competitions.
It was Tomas Soucek who scored the first English Premier League goal of 2021 as West Ham secured the crucial away win over Everton.
Soucek struck for the visitors in the 86th minute to end Everton’s streak of four league wins.
5 – Tomas Soucek is now West Ham United's top scorer in the Premier League this season with five goals. Winner? pic.twitter.com/UidcjLCxhM
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 1, 2021
A win for the Toffees could have taken them as high as the second position on the EPL standings but they now remain 4th on 29 points with West Ham 10th on 26.
ALSO READ: COVID-19: Everton, Manchester City tie postponed
With no fans allowed due to coronavirus restrictions, West Ham’s David Moyes registered his first win at Goodison Park as an opposition manager.
1 – West Ham boss David Moyes has secured his first win at Goodison Park in five visits in all competitions since leaving Everton in 2013 (L4). Relief. pic.twitter.com/7b3e6uPdii
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 1, 2021
The Scot had lost all four previous appearances by an aggregate of 12-1 on a ground where he had success until leaving Everton for Manchester United in 2013.
Everton will be away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next round of games while West Ham will be at home to relegation-haunted West Brom in their next Premier League fixture
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![Ronald Koeman [PHOTO CREDIT: @RonaldKoeman]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/08/D7pw9Y4X4AU-FdH-e1597838576429.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Super Eagles [PHOTO CREDIT: @ngsupereagles]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/09/123202270_3254154054693598_5059790218888058637_n-1.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![FIFA Headquarters [PHOTO CREDIT: ABC]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/12/6999354-3x2-940x627-1.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Taiwo Awoniyi [PHOTO CREDIT: @1.FCUnionBerlin]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/08/237453605_10158684650417061_5185223656900473218_n.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Boris Johnson [Photo Credit: @BorisJohnson]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/01/EqAthMaW8AEFuGv-scaled.jpg?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1)
![Babies used to illustrate the story. [PHOTO CREDIT: Daily Post Nigeria]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2018/11/babies.jpg?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1)
JOIN THE CONVERSATION