Everton extended their unbeaten Premier League run to nine games against West Ham United.
David Moyes picked up another point in the top-flight to move the Toffees onto 34 points.
With Ipswich Town losing against Nottingham Forest, the gap down to the relegation zone is now a hefty 17 points.
Everton did not play particularly well against West Ham, and did actually look set to lose the game after Tomas Soucek put the visitors ahead.
But Everton don’t know when they’re beaten under Moyes, and rescued a point through Jake O’Brien, who scored a head in injury-time after a wonderful cross by Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Kalvin Phillips branded O’Brien ‘unbelievable’ after the draw, and it was certainly yet another fine display from the Irishman.
O’Brien – who Everton fans felt was the Man of the Match – also came in for high praise from Danny Murphy on Match of the Day last night.
Jake O’Brien branded ‘terrific’ as he’s singled out on Match of the Day after Everton’s draw with West Ham
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
O’Brien has firmly established himself in Everton’s starting XI now.
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And that must be hugely satisfying for him, after a tough first half of the campaign.
O’Brien admitted he wasn’t happy under Sean Dyche, and his lack of minutes was certainly perplexing. Especially seeing what he is giving the team now.
O’Brien is finally thriving, and he came in for special praise last night on Match of the Day.
He said: “It was a great equaliser. Jake O’Brien has benefitted from Moyesy coming in as have Everton.
“He was out in the wilderness a little but under Sean Dyche and maybe thinking ‘Where’s my Everton career going?’
“Since he’s got in the team he’s been terrific. Wonderful cross from Gueye, and there he is in the middle of the goal. He got an equaliser at Brentford a few weeks ago, so he’s capable. He’s a big lad, but he’s a decent footballer.
“He’s playing out of position at right-back and he’s made the position his own. This was a crucial goal because it keeps that confidence going.”
David Moyes gives Jake O’Brien verdict after West Ham draw
So, another great outing for O’Brien, who is potentially Moyes’ biggest player success story since he returned to the club.
O’Brien is thriving right now, and Moyes was pleased once again with the star’s efforts.
He said after the game (via BBC Sport): “It was great to see Jake O’Brien get a goal. He’s done really well.
“He’s a young centre-back developing at right-back. He’s got some really good attributes. What he needs is Premier League experience. He came up against top players today in Bowen and Kudus and did well.”