Everton v Arsenal: Ian Wright destroys Jake O’Brien
Ian Wright was less than impressed with Everton defender Jake O’Brien as Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw.
The Gunners visited Merseyside to get the three points and continue their push to stay in the Premier League title race.
However, Mikel Arteta did not enjoy a happy return to the ground he called home as a player.
Jake O’Brien slammed by Wright for Leandro Trossard goal
Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the visitors as Arsenal proved to be lethal on the counter attack.
Idrissa Gueye’s header sent the ball towards the Toffees’ goal and that saw Raheem Sterling run into the final third before teeing it up for Trossard.
O’Brien, who played as the right-back, did not close down the Gunners attacker properly, leaving him with plenty of space to fire a shot at goal.
Jordan Pickford dived but failed to reach the ball as the Belgium international’s well-struck left-footed effort found the back of the net.
Discussing this goal at half-time on Premier League Productions’ Show, Wright said on 5 April at 1:28pm: “O’Brien is coming in with his wrong leg. He’s got to get the block there. You can’t be doing that.”
David Moyes and Everton have benefited from O’Brien more often than not
While O’Brien’s error in Arsenal’s goal during their 1-1 draw with Everton drew criticism from Wright, it’s worth noting that he isn’t a natural right-back.
The 6’6” centre-back, typically a commanding presence in the middle, was caught out by Trossard’s strike, failing to block with the correct leg as Sterling set up the counter-attack.
However, the Republic of Ireland international, who has been deployed on the right under David Moyes, improved as the game progressed, showing resilience and adaptability.
| Everton | Stats | Arsenal |
| 29% | Possession | 71% |
| 1.05 | xG | 1.83 |
| 2 | Big chances | 1 |
| 3 | Saves | 1 |
| 5 | Total shots | 14 |
Moyes has praised his development in this unfamiliar role, noting his growing comfort and crossing ability, honed with coaching from Leighton Baines.
While the mistake was costly, O’Brien’s overall progress in a position foreign to him highlights his potential.
At just 23, the Irishman’s willingness to learn and his steady improvement under Moyes suggest this lapse will be a valuable lesson, ultimately making him a more versatile and polished defender.