Jake O'Brien in action for Everton
Jake O'Brien in action for Everton
Jake O'Brien was handed his third consecutive start for Everton versus Newcastle as he pushes his way back into the fold.
The Irishman has had to bide his time after the arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and the form of Merlin Rohl had kept him out.
The 25-year-old does look to be back in David Moyes' good books, and he will be hoping to keep his place in the team.
Despite his recent return to the starting XI, O'Brien still has plenty to prove to his Everton manager.
His performance in a tough away game against Newcastle was certainly a chance to do so as the Blues secured a 1-0 win.
But one moment in the first-half attracted unwanted negative attention for the Irishman.
Former Newcastle defender questions Jake O'Brien decision
Everton had enjoyed a positive opening to the contest at St James' Park, putting Newcastle under pressure and looking the more dangerous side for much of the first half.
However, as Everton looked to move forward and sustain their pressure, O'Brien made an unneeded foul in the 36th minute handing the home side an opportunity to retain possession.
Referee John Brooks had called him over, but only a warning would be given, with the commentators on Sky Sports suggesting he was lucky to get away with no yellow card.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, former Geordie defender John Anderson didn't agree with that verdict but did call out O'Brien for his action.
He stated: "It wasn’t a yellow card - he’s just pushed him in the back. It was stupid but it wasn’t a yellow card."
Everton were on top of Newcastle in the first half, and giving them a free-kick was the last thing they needed.
Luckily nothing would come from the resulting set-piece, but nonetheless it was something that could have been avoided.
Has O'Brien done enough to keep Everton place?
O'Brien will be hoping his manager has seen enough to reward him with a place in the starting XI again.
As per FotMob, O'Brien made the joint-most recoveries for Everton outfielders with a total of five.
Additionally, O'Brien completed the most line-breaking passes for Everton at St James' Park.
In terms of his duels, he won a total of six of his nine battles - a 66.6 per cent success rate.
However, most importantly, the centre-back turned right-back was part of a defence that kept a clean sheet.
For Moyes, keeping that same backline would make plenty of sense as the Toffees now prepare to host former manager Frank Lampard and his Coventry side on Friday night.