Chris Sutton hits out at ‘ridiculous’ moment in Everton loss v West Ham United
Everton played out a 1-1 draw with West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday after Jake O’Brien’s heroics late at Goodison Park.
David Moyes’ side seemed destined to suffer their first defeat in nine Premier League games after Tomas Soucek silenced the Toffees faithful with the opener in the 67th minute on 15 March.
However, O’Brien emerged as the unlikely hero for the Goodison Park outfit as he nicked an equaliser just after the 90-minute mark, earning a point for his side.
A win would have taken Everton above Tottenham in 13th place, although a draw has still seen them move above Manchester United, who, though, face 19th-placed Leicester on Sunday (16 March).
The game was not short of talking points as referee Darren Bond overruled a penalty for the Toffees, while Jarrod Bowen attempted an audacious overhead kick in the second half.
Chris Sutton infuriated by Beto penalty decision
Things would have perhaps been different had Bond decided not to change his mind on awarding Everton a penalty towards the end of the first half.
The referee pointed to the spot after he deemed Beto was brought down in the box by either Max Kilman or Konstantinos Mavropanos, if not both.
However, he was soon advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, thus resulting in him overturning his decision.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
| 13. Tottenham | 28 | 10 | 4 | 14 | 14 | 34 |
| 14. Everton | 29 | 7 | 13 | 9 | -4 | 34 |
| 15. Manchester United | 28 | 9 | 7 | 12 | -6 | 34 |
Meanwhile, Chris Sutton could not believe Bond had awarded a penalty in the first place, describing the decision as “ridiculous”.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a penalty rightfully awarded for kicking the ball”, Sutton said on BBC Final Score (15 March, 3:45 pm).
“That’s ridiculous. I’d be shocked if it’s awarded.”
#EVEWHU – 44’ VAR OVERTURN
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) March 15, 2025
VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Kilman on Beto – and deemed that no foul was committed, therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.
Everton continue unbeaten run under Moyes
Had Soucek’s goal been the only one in the game, Everton would have suffered their third defeat under Moyes, who took the reins at Goodison Park in January.
However, the Toffees show no signs of slipping up under the Scot, especially as they edge closer to bidding adieu to Goodison Park.
O’Brien’s late equaliser will now be another memorable incident for frequent visitors there.