Jake O'Brien (R) celebrates with Jesper Lindstrom (L) after scoring their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 15, 2025
Everton’s never-say-die spirit under David Moyes was shown again at Goodison Park as the hosts snatched a point with a last-minute equaliser against West Ham United to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches under their returning manager. The Blues thought they’d been awarded a penalty just before half-time when Beto went down in the area and Darren Bond pointed to the spot but VAR told him to check the pitchside monitor and he overturned the decision.
Tomas Soucek’s third goal at this ground put the Londoners ahead on 67 minutes and it looked like the hosts were heading for a first defeat since their Scottish gaffer had returned but with the contest about to go into stoppage time, Jake O’Brien headed them level from Idrissa Gueye’s cross.
Here's how the ECHO rated the players:
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Jordan Pickford 8
There was little he could do as Tomas Soucek picked his spot at Goodison Park again having already made several smart saves either side of the break, including keeping out a header from his own defender Jarrad Branthwaite from a corner and then tipping the ball over the bar from Jarrod Bowen’s half volley.
Jake O’Brien 8
Started strongly and got forwards with regularity in the first half, overlapping, putting in crosses and bringing the best out of Areola with a low drive and while more withdrawn after the break, he still popped up with a last-minute equaliser for his second goal in three games.
Vitalii Mykolenko 5
Positional play was solid enough but distribution was quite sloppy at times as he gave the ball away cheaply on several occasions and shanked at least one decent crossing opportunity.
James Tarkowski 7
Typically robust, he led by example at the back and looked decent on the ball, but along with Doucoure, he allowed Soucek work that crucial bit of space to break the deadlock.
Jarrad Branthwaite 6
Continues to read the game well with the kind of form that saw many Evertonians perplexed that he was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad but forced England number one Pickford into a smart save with a misplaced defensive header from a West Ham corner.
Idrissa Gueye 8
Classic Gana as he provided a shield in front of his back four that little got through, it’s a shame he wasn’t in close proximity when the ball fell to Soucek for his goal but his cross found O’Brien for the equaliser.
James Garner 6
Steady Eddie so far in the centre of the park but it would have been nice to see him pick a pass to open up West Ham’s defence and he eventually made way.
Jack Harrison 6
Back on the right wing, he really putting in a shift and closed down opponents but needed to show more composure in possession.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 5
Couldn’t really impose himself on proceedings and while he tried to lead the press, it was more perspiration than inspiration before he made way when Everton fell behind having let Soucek pick his spot.
Carlos Alcaraz 7
Handed his first home start, there were some nice touches and glimpses of his quality, but even though it was in shorter supply than what we’ve seen, it was his cross-field pass to Gueye that teed up the move for the leveller and he almost won it at the death with a low shot that trickled wide.
Beto 6
Having enjoyed a purple patch having first been brought into the side, the finishes have dried up of late and along with initially being awarded a penalty only for the decision to be overturned, he spurned a couple of headed opportunities that came his way.
Substitutes
Jesper Lindstrom (on 68 for Doucoure) 6
Tried to freshen things up down the right but it was Gueye who popped up in his position to earn a share of the spoils.
Youssef Chermiti (on 79 for Harrison)
First appearance this season and booked for pulling down Carlos Soler.
Tim Iroegbunam (on 79 for Garner)
Another late cameo as Everton chased the game.
Armando Broja (on 79 for Beto)
Back fit for the first time under Moyes.