Everton and West Ham United played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Saturday, with Jake O’Brien’s late header denying the Hammers a crucial win. The result keeps both sides level on 34 points as they continue their battle for survival.
West Ham started on the front foot, nearly taking the lead in the 13th minute when James Ward-Prowse’s corner caused chaos in the Everton box. Jarrad Branthwaite’s attempted clearance almost ended in an own goal, but Jordan Pickford’s quick reflex save kept the Toffees in the game.
Everton thought they had won a penalty in first-half stoppage time when Beto went down under a challenge from Max Kilman. However, after a VAR review, referee Darren Bond overturned the decision, correctly identifying that Beto had kicked the ground rather than being fouled.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 67th minute through Tomas Soucek. Jarrod Bowen’s precise low cross found the Czech midfielder inside the box, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving Pickford with no chance.
Everton refused to give up and found their equalizer in the 91st minute. Idrissa Gana Gueye delivered a lofted cross into the box, and defender Jake O’Brien rose highest to head the ball past Alphonse Areola, sending the Goodison Park crowd into celebration.
Statistically, Everton had 54% possession and registered 13 shots compared to West Ham’s nine. Both sides had similar shots on target, with Everton managing five and West Ham four. The Toffees also won six corners to West Ham’s five.
James Ward-Prowse was named Man of the Match for his dominant performance in midfield. The West Ham playmaker created three key chances, completed 50 out of 52 passes, and played seven accurate passes into the final third, controlling the tempo for the Hammers.
With this result, Everton remain in 14th place, while West Ham sit in 16th. Everton will next face Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on April 2, while West Ham travel to Molineux to take on Wolves on April 1.
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