Updated / Saturday, 12 Sep 2026 19:38
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Jake O'Brien (c) had not played a single minute of competitive football this season
Jake O'Brien made his first appearance of the season for Everton as drew 0-0 at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Republic of Ireland defender had been an unused sub in all of the Toffees' game this season amid uncertainty over his future and a reported desire to play in his natural centre-back position rather than the right back berth he had made his own last season.
David Moyes introduced the Corkman in the 75th minute, with O'Brien slotting in on the right side of the Everton back four in place of transfer deadline day signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Tottenham fired another blank in the game to extend their winless start to the new Premier League season to four matches.
The two clubs had contrasting summer windows with Spurs signing 10 players and committing more than £380 million (€442.9m) in transfer fees, whilst a chaotic finish before deadline day ensured Toffees boss David Moyes ended up with only 18 outfield players.
However, the honours were even in north London where Tottenham's bright start failed to translate into clear-cut chances before Everton squandered two second-half opportunities via Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Brennan Johnson to claim all three points in the capital.
A smattering of boos greeted full-time after Roberto De Zerbi’s team failed to score for a fourth consecutive league match.
Spurs are 17th and on two points after last weekend’s stalemate at Nottingham Forest and Everton remain unbeaten after a third draw of the campaign.
**Additional reporting: PA**