Everton managed to extend their unbeaten run to six matches after a nail-biting 1-1 draw with West Ham on Saturday.
The game ended in dramatic fashion, with Jake O’Brien scoring an equalizer in the 91st minute to level the score for the Toffees.
A Heartfelt Gesture from David Moyes
After the final whistle, West Ham manager David Moyes shared a moment of connection with the fans, walking across the pitch to acknowledge them.
His gesture was met with a warm round of applause, showcasing the strong bond he had built with the club’s supporters.
This brief exchange highlighted why Moyes is still so cherished by many, despite his departure from the club.
West Ham’s Dominance and Moyes’ Legacy
From the outset, it was clear that West Ham had the upper hand.
They played with more sharpness and technical precision, owing much to Moyes’ influence during his tenure.
The goal that put them ahead came from two of his signings: Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek.
Bowen, who had been the standout performer of the game, danced around the edge of Everton’s penalty area before providing a perfect assist for Soucek.
The midfielder then expertly controlled the ball and slotted it past Everton’s defense to give West Ham the lead.
Despite West Ham’s dominance, the match appeared to be slipping out of their grasp as Everton seemed unlikely to mount a comeback.
However, in a twist of fate, Moyes’ eye for talent once again paid off for his old club.
A Late Equalizer from Jake O’Brien
Jake O’Brien, the 23-year-old Irish right wing-back who had been a peripheral figure until Moyes’ arrival, found himself in the right place at the right time.
He had already forced a sharp save from West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola earlier in the match.
But in the dying moments, O’Brien capitalized on a volleyed cross from Idrissa Gueye and powered a header into the back of the net to equalize for Everton in the 91st minute, securing a point for his side.
Missed Opportunities for West Ham
Despite Everton’s last-minute heroics, it was West Ham who left the match with more to regret.
While they were the more energetic and creative side, their failure to convert opportunities in the closing moments of the game cost them two points.
West Ham’s high pressing game, combined with their defensive discipline after losing possession, was impressive, but they couldn’t make it count where it mattered.
Moyes will likely question how Everton’s defenders allowed Soucek so much space to score, as well as Carlos Alcaraz’s near miss in the dying seconds.
Bowen’s Impressive Performance
Bowen was a standout throughout the match, displaying excellent movement, quick thinking, and brilliant ball control.
He was involved in nearly every important attack, and his first-half shot, which was saved by Jordan Pickford, was a moment of real quality.
The England goalkeeper made two crucial instinctive saves, keeping Everton in the game.
For Moyes, watching Bowen’s display must have been a bittersweet reminder of the player he helped nurture during his time at West Ham.
Everton’s Struggles and Moyes’ Perspective
At the end of the match, Moyes reflected on the performance, acknowledging the strength of Everton’s opponents.
He admitted that while his West Ham team had played well, he wasn’t surprised to see Soucek find the back of the net.
Everton, on the other hand, struggled to show the same level of quality, particularly from their midfield and wide areas, which lacked vision and creativity.
West Ham Fans Remember Their European Glory
As the match concluded and the West Ham fans streamed out of the stadium, they sang their anthem, “Champions of Europe, we know what we are,” a reminder of their recent triumph in the UEFA Conference League.
Moyes, who led the team to that victory, remains a beloved figure in the West Ham dugout, and his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of the supporters.
Match Summary and Ratings
Everton (4-2-3-1):
Pickford 8, O’Brien 7.5, Mykolenko 5, Tarkowski 6, Branthwaite 5.5, Gueye 5.5, Garner 5.5 (Iroegbunam 79 6), Harrison 6.5 (Chermiti 79 5.5), Doucoure 5.5 (Lindstrom 79), Alcaraz 6.5, Beto 6 (Broja 79 6)
Goals: O’Brien (90+1′)
Manager: David Moyes 6
West Ham (3-5-2):
Areola 6, Todibo 6 (Rodriguez 90+2), Kilman 7, Mavropanos 6, Wan-Bissaka 6.5, Soucek 7, Ward-Prowse 6, Paqueta 6.5 (Soler 82 6), Bowen 8.5, Kudus 5.5 (Ferguson 90+2)
Goal: Soucek (67′)
Manager: Graham Potter 7
Referee: Darren Bond 7