Sunday’s Everton win proved West Ham didn’t need summer target Bernard

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Sunday’s encounter at Goodison Park saw West Ham go up against a reported summer target in Bernard.

Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the Brazilian wideman was available on a free transfer in the summer; the Toffees beat the Hammers to his signature.

At the weekend, a half-fit Bernard was introduced as a substitute just before half-time; in place of Morgan Schneiderlin, who was still reeling from the death of his father hours before kick-off.

Bernard vs Yarmolenko

The Brazilian was ineffective after his introduction. He had no shots, and only one key pass to his name. He had just 28 touches and was a peripheral figure in the match.

He did not look greatly up to the speed of the match and made just one dribble also. By contrast, Yarmolenko, playing in the same right-wing position, was the difference-maker.

He won the Hammers the match with two lovely finishes, on his first Premier League start. He looked sharp and Manuel Pellegrini’s timing was immaculate in terms of when to give him his full bow.

Dodged a bullet

Bernard may well yet develop into a fine signing for the Toffees, but the signs were on Sunday that Yarmolenko is ready to be a key figure for Pellegrini.

With Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic up there as well, Pellegrini has the burgeoning signs of a frontline; Bernard simply wouldn’t fit in anywhere.