Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 12 April 2026 16:10, UK

Everton netted a late equaliser to seal a point after an up-and-down afternoon against Brentford on Saturday, but Nathan Patterson will be left scratching his head after Jake O’Brien’s stinker.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall found the net in added time as the Toffees came back from behind twice to secure a draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Both sides had their share of the chances, but with the Bees hitting the bar before scoring their second, they arguably should have had more in the capital.

That will rightly raise questions about the Blues and their defensive output in their race to secure European qualification.

O’Brien wasn’t at his best against Brentford and arguably should be looking over his shoulder at Patterson.

Jake O’Brien struggled vs Brentford

Since the introduction of David Moyes, the right-back role has been the Republic of Ireland international’s to lose.

He has kept his spot in the side under lock and key and has rarely dropped out or been replaced by anyone on Merseyside.

That continued into the massive clash away against Brentford, as the former Lyon man once again started on the right of a back four.

It wasn’t a true day to remember for the 24-year-old as he clocked up just 48 touches throughout his 90-minute showing at the Gtech.

He failed to complete any of his dribble or cross attempts, while being dispossessed on one occasion against the Bees.

That isn’t helped by his 33 ground duel win rate, especially as he lost another two aerial duels despite that being one of his biggest attributes.

O’Brien hasn’t been at his best for Everton or Republic of Ireland, and Patterson must be watching from the bench in utter disbelief.

Nathan Patterson surely baffled over Everton snub

The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from Merseyside, and who could really blame him for forcing his way out?

Even with his counterpart struggling, there have been very limited opportunities on the table for the Scotland international under Moyes.

He has played just six Premier League games this season at a total of just 239 minutes, which isn’t enough.

That low figure may be accepted if O’Brien was at his best, but as shown against Brentford, he isn’t.

Patterson will have watched on at the Gtech Community Stadium, scratching his head and left wondering what has to happen for him to get a chance in L3.

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