Everton have been in control but unable to break down West Ham United in the opening 45 minutes of today's Premier League encounter at Goodison Park.

© Getty Images

The home side were applying all of the pressure early on, and it was Steven Naismith who squandered an early chance when he failed to get a decent touch on Leon Osman's flick.

The Toffees continued to dominate possession and Naismith had a better chance midway through the half when he collected the ball to the left of goal and fired low at the near post, where West Ham keeper Adrian parried it out.

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce made an apparent tactical substitution before the half-hour mark when he brought on Andy Carroll for Carlton Cole, who stomped down the tunnel in annoyance.

Five minutes before half time Everton threatened again when Barcelona loanee Gerard Deulofeu danced his way into the area before curling just wide of the upright.