Jack O’Brien Salvage A Point For Everton Against West Ham

Jack O’Brien Salvage A Point For Everton Against West Ham

Jake O’Brien scored a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a Premier League draw for Everton against manager David Moyes’ former club West Ham.

Moyes’ reunion against the side he left in the summer and where he enjoyed distinguished success such as winning the 2023 Europa Conference League looked to be heading for disappointing until O’Brien struck.

With time running out, the Republic of Ireland defender converted from close range following Idrissa Gueye’s excellent cutback into the six-yard box.

West Ham had offered more of a goal threat during the contest and Jordan Pickford made two stunning reaction saves to keep out Jarrad Branthwaite’s inadvertent header which was flying towards his own net, before tipping over Jarrod Bowen’s sweetly struck shot from 25 yards.

The visitors broke the deadlock on 67 minutes courtesy of Tomas Soucek’s fine finish, taking a touch from Bowen’s pass before curling a delightful finish into the far corner.

Everton have been rejuvenated under Moyes and none more so than O’Brien, who found opportunities under Sean Dyche limited but has made the right-back spot his own – the Irishman’s thunderous effort from range was pushed away by Alphonse Areola.

The Toffees thought they had a chance to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time when referee Darren Bond pointed to the penalty spot for an apparent foul on Beto, but after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor he reversed his decision.

But Everton battled on and O’Brien had the final say to spark a cacophony of noise from the home supporters and extend his side’s unbeaten run to nine games.