Everton were able to keep their unbeaten run going on Saturday, with West Ham holding the Toffees to yet another draw.
The display against David Moyes’ former side was one of the worst showings since the 61-year-old’s return to Goodison Park.
However, Everton were able to extend their unbeaten run to nine games, with the Blues rising above Manchester United in the league.
There were not too many players to come away from the game against the Irons with much credit to their name.
Moyes had just been named Manager of the Month on Friday, just hours on he found himself coming undone against his former club.
But there was one Everton player who was praised for his performance during the game at Goodison.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Everton hero won’t get praise he deserves after West Ham draw
Jake O’Brien scored a late equaliser against Brentford just a couple of weeks ago, and he did the same on Saturday.
The Ireland international is the player who will get the headlines for the Toffees having scored the goal.
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BBC Sport reporter John Bennett said during the game that it is Jordan Pickford who is the player actually deserving of big praise from an Everton perspective.
‘I don’t think Jordan Pickford is getting the credit he deserves for his top performances this season,’ he said from Merseyside.
‘He’s again been in great form today making a brilliant reaction save after Jarrod Branthwaite diverted a corner towards goal at close range.
‘He also flew out of goal to head the ball away when Jarred Bowen was running through and Pickford also denied Bowen again after a smart half-volley. No wonder the Everton fans love him and no wonder he’s the undisputed first choice for England.’
Alan Shearer praised Pickford earlier in the season after previously criticising the England number one in the past.
The 30-year-old has remained a constant in the Everton side over the years, and he is exactly the type of player the Friedkins want to lead them into Bramley-Moore Dock.
Jordan Pickford needed a big performance against West Ham
Pickford has hailed the work of Moyes since he made his return to Merseyside in January.
However, the results have been a little on the flat side over recent weeks despite the unbeaten run being kept alive.
4 saves
0.61 goals prevented
1/1 successful run outs
52 touches
77% pass accuracy
1/1 ground duels won
Moyes’ side had to rely on their shot stopped at times during the game against Graham Potter’s side.
It is not a game which many of the Everton players will look back on with much fondness, but the fans were able to rely on their goalkeeper once again.
Although he was unable to keep the clean sheet, there will not be any questions asked for Pickford over Tomas Soucek’s fine strike.