Everton 1-1 West Ham United: Late O’Brien Header Rescues Point for Toffees

Everton extended their unbeaten Premier League run to nine matches with a 1-1 draw against West Ham United at Goodison Park.

The match remained goalless in the first half, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. A pivotal moment occurred just before halftime when Everton were awarded a penalty after Beto went down under pressure from West Ham defenders. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, as replays indicated minimal contact.

West Ham broke the deadlock in the 67th minute. Jarrod Bowen advanced down the right flank and delivered a pass to Tomáš Souček, who skillfully turned inside the box and placed a precise low shot into the bottom-right corner, giving the visitors the lead.

Everton pressed for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, Idrissa Gueye volleyed a cross into the six-yard box, where right-back Jake O’Brien was positioned to head home from close range.

Everton nearly snatched all three points in the dying moments when Carlos Alcaraz dragged a shot wide of the post.

The draw moves Everton above Manchester United – who play on Sunday – into 14th, two places above West Ham courtesy of a better goal difference. The result also meant Everton matched their best unbeaten streak in the Premier League, which was previously set between December 2016 and February 2017.

David Moyes: “Tomas Soucek is a really good goalscorer. We signed him as a goalscoring midfielder. He’s great in both boxes. He’s a top lad as well. I’m pleased for him but not for us.

“It was great to see Jake O’Brien get a goal. He’s done really well. He’s a young centre-back developing at right-back. He’s got some really good attributes. What he needs is Premier League experience. He came up against top players today in Bowen and Kudus and did well.”