David Moyes has been the subject of intense debate in West Ham circles for the best part of two years.
Many West Ham fans wanted the club to part company with the Scot in search of something more exciting.
Others feel the Hammers made a mistake not keeping him in east London.
In the end Moyes himself said he felt it was best for all parties to go their separate ways.
With no jeopardy in what remains of the season for West Ham or Everton, the ‘Moyes derby’ is about as exciting as it is going to get.
The subject of Moyes continues to drive passionate debate mong Hammers fans to this day.
After being told ad nauseum to ‘be careful what you wish for’ since Moyes’ London Stadium exit, most were desperate to make sure their old boss didn’t get one over on them.
Ahead of the game, Moyes actually showed real class towards West Ham.
He said he would find it difficult facing the Hammers after their great times together.
Moyes also spoke fondly about the fans and players he ‘shares a close bond with’.
West Ham fans show what they really think of Moyes with chant
None more so than Tomas Soucek – his first signing on his return to West Ham in January 2020.
Soucek has a brilliant record against the Toffees.
Moyes knows everything there is to know about the big Czech midifelder.
But he was powerless to stop the fan favourite extending his run of goals against Everton.
Soucek swept home a beautiful curling finish to put the Hammers 1-0 up in their last ever trip to Goodison Park.
Moyes set a few records during his time as West Ham manager but he broke a rare one the Hammers have been proud of.
West Ham were one of only five teams who had not conceded a goal after the 90th minute this season.
That changed, though, as Jake O’Brien – a longstanding former Hammers target – turned the ball home in the 91st minute to secure a 1-1 draw.
Moyes almost saw his side snatch a late winner but honours ended even.
Many were intrigued to see what kind of reception the travelling Hammers faithful would give their former manager.
West Ham fans showed what they really think of Moyes with a chant and the Everton boss responded.
When things got fraught during some tough times at West Ham, a minority of supporters unfurled ‘Moyes Out’ banners.
Everton boss responds to Hammers fans
It was highly regrettable, even for those who were the Scot’s biggest critics.
There was plenty of love for Moyes from the away end, though, as it was friends reunited at Goodison.
Moyes led West Ham to their record ever Premier League points total.
He also recorded three consecutive European qualifications for the first time in the club’s history.
But his crowning achievement was winning West Ham’s only major trophy of the last 45 years with that unforgettable Europa Conference League triumph in Prague just under two years ago.
Throughout the Moyes reunion, West Ham fans chanted ‘Champions of Europe, we know what we are’ repeatedly.
It was clearly their way of showing their appreciation and gratitude towards their former boss, the man who enabled them to sing that.
At the final whistle Moyes responded.
He walked over to the away fans and applauded them as they clapped him too.
Moyes was also seen bowing in praise of the Hammers supporters.
After everything that has gone on and been said, it was a nice way to finish this particular chapter.
