Everton fought West Ham United to a 1-1 stalemate at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League and continued their impressive form under David Moyes.
The Toffees held on against early pressure from the Hammers, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford forced into action after Jarrad Branthwaite almost converted into his own net following a corner.
Everton grew into the game and were awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time, but referee Darren Bond was sent over to the monitor to review his decision, and replays showed that Beto had kicked the ground rather than having been fouled by Max Kilman.
The Hammers forced Everton to defend deep in the second half, and their pressure paid off just after the hour mark when Jarrod Bowen squared a pass across the penalty area to Tomas Soucek, who steadied himself before placing an effort into the bottom right of the net to give his side the lead.
West Ham thought they had won the game but defender Jake O'Brien stayed in the box in second-half stoppage time and powered a header home to level the score.
The draw means Everton end the day in 14th place with 34 points, the same as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and 16th-placed West Ham.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Everton's Jack Harrison (left) and West Ham United's Tomas Soucek (right) battle for the ball, on March 15, 2025© Imago
The draw helps highlight excellent work of Everton manager Moyes, and though he will be disappointed to have been held to a stalemate, he has still brought back a sense of stability to the club.
As for West Ham, their strong form continues with the Londoners having won two, drawn one and lost just one of their past four games in the Premier League.
Graham Potter has now overseen two consecutive games away from home without defeat - the third time the Hammers have done so this term - and he looks to have truly settled into his role as boss.
EVERTON VS. WEST HAM UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
13th min: Jordan Pickford (Everton) save
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United shoots at goal during his side's match against Everton, on March 15, 2025© Imago
West Ham swing a corner into the penalty area and James Ward-Prowse's delivery sees Bowen contest for the ball against Branthwaite, who gets the last touch and forces goalkeeper Pickford to stick out his left hand to prevent an own goal.
Great reflexes!
45+2nd min: Beto (Everton) penalty overturned
Everton are not awarded a penalty after a VAR review against West Ham United, on March 15, 2025© Imago
Kilman challenges Beto in the penalty area, and though the referee initially awards a spot kick, the VAR advises Bond to have a second look and replays show that Beto kicked the turf.
No penalty!
67th min: Everton 0-1 West Ham United (Tomas Soucek)
Tomas Soucek of West Ham United celebrates scoring against Everton, on March 15, 2025© Imago
Bowen drives down the left side of the pitch and manages to squeeze a square ball to Soucek just inside the box, and the midfielder takes one touch to set himself up before curling his strike with his right foot into the bottom-right corner.
A brilliant finish!
90+1st min: Everton 1-1 West Ham United (Jake O'Brien)
Jake O'Brien of Everton celebrates scoring against West Ham United, on March 15, 2025© Imago
Idrissa Gana Gueye receives a lofted pass from the left to the right side of the penalty area before the midfielder volleys a pass into the centre of the box, and his delivery is met by O'Brien, who heads home from close range.
Everton snatch a draw!
MAN OF THE MATCH - JAMES WARD-PROWSE
James Ward-Prowse of West Ham United during his team's match against Everton, on March 15, 2025© Imago
The West Ham midfielder created the first real chance of the game from a corner, and he was vital for his side whenever they had the ball, completing 50 of his 52 passes.
No other Hammers player created more chances (3) or played more passes into the final third (7), and he also won both of his tackles.
EVERTON VS. WEST HAM UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Everton 54%-46% West Ham United
Shots: Everton 13-9 West Ham United
Shots on target: Everton 5-4 West Ham United
Corners: Everton 6-5 West Ham United
Fouls: Everton 12-8 West Ham United
BEST STATS
HT: Everton 0-0 West Ham
All square at the break after Everton's penalty shout was correctly overturned by VAR. #EVEWHU pic.twitter.com/XhG4VofyOd
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) March 15, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Everton are set to take on rivals Liverpool on April 2 in the final Merseyside derby of the season before playing Arsenal three days later.
Meanwhile, West Ham will play Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 1 on the road, and Potter will then lead his side out against Bournemouth at home on April 5.
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