59-touch Everton star hailed as ‘an absolute revelation’ in Brentford draw

The Toffees have moved onto 32 points to go 15 clear of the relegation zone, with Ipswich Town losing to Manchester United tonight.

It was a strange game at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Everton were nowhere near their best, and were guilty of wasting several good chances, with Beto a big offender in the first-half.

Everton’s in-form striker missed two one-on-one chances, and then Brentford scored on the stroke of half-time. A long throw came in from the right, the ball bounced and was eventually turned in by Yoane Wissa.

The way Everton defended there will have had David Moyes fuming.

Everton were just so poor at times in the final third. At one point Jack Harrison left Moyes with his head in his hands after a terrible corner that hit the side-netting, with a foul being awarded in the process.

But Everton eventually got their act together and got back on level terms through Jake O’Brien, and it was rather a goal his performance deserved.

Jake O’Brien stats vs Brentford as star rescues a point for David Moyes

Jake O’Brien has found a new lease of life at Everton since Moyes came in.

O’Brien has been critical of Sean Dyche for not giving him the opportunities he needed, and certainly, his form of late would suggest the former manager was wrong about him.

Against Brentford, O’Brien again lined up at right-back – and it was another fine display from the Irishman.

As per Sofascore data, O’Brien was tidy on the ball, completing 24/30 (80%) passes. He had the most touches of any player in blue, with 59.

Incredibly, O’Brien finished the game with 15 contributions to his name. 10 of those were clearances, and he also made three tackles as well. On the whole, he dealt with the lively Kevin Schade pretty well.

As the game petered out, O’Brien was named the Player of the Match by TNT commentator Adam Virgo, who branded the star ‘an absolute revelation’.

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O’Brien reacts after scoring his first Everton goal

O’Brien spoke to TNT Sports after scoring his first goal for the club.

He said: “It’s important to score goals in games like this and come away with something. I’m a defender, but as long as we come away with a point, I’m happy.”

A fairly understated response from O’Brien, which followed a pretty low-key celebration.

But make no mistake, this would have been a highly satisfying moment for O’Brien, who is now enjoying a great time at Everton after struggling to get a look in under Dyche.

He’s been key to the revival of Everton under Moyes, and tonight he absolutely deserved his goal.