Dermot Gallagher reacts to controversy in Everton draw v West Ham United

Everton struck late to earn a 1-1 draw against West Ham United in a game of very few talking points.

The Toffees managed to steal a point in the dying stages of the game as Jake O'Brien scored in stoppage time at Goodison Park to take the scoreline to 1-1 after West Ham had taken the lead in the 67th minute.

Tomas Soucek scored for the Hammers, giving them a vital lead and hope to seal the game but the Toffees had other plans.

While the first half remained goalless, it was filled with some late drama as Everton were awarded a penalty and then it was overturned.

Dermot Gallagher supports VAR decision

Towards the end of the first half, Everton players made a claim for penalty for a supposed Emerson handball.

However, the claims were immediately rejected as referee Darren Bond signalled to continue the play.

Almost a minute later, Bond blew the whistle and awarded a penalty as Beto appeared to have been fouled in the goal area.

It looked like a poor challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos as the Guinea-Bissau international was brought down.

After a VAR check, the penalty decision was overturned as it was judged that there wasn't enough contact between Beto and Mavropanos. Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports, gave his verdict on the decision.

He said: "It's clearly not a penalty as Beto kicks the ground and not Mavropanos. Not a penalty.

"VAR intervened very, very quickly. He took a look at the screen once and said no.

"Mavropanos was never fearful that was going to be a penalty."

Everton extend their unbeaten run

With their draw against the Hammers, Everton have extended their unbeaten run in the league to nine games, which includes four wins and five draws.

Since David Moyes took over the reins at Goodison Park, the Toffees have lost just once in the league and are 17-points away from the drop zone.

Moyes has managed to turn the situation around as at one point in time, the Merseysiders looked that they had another relegation battle on their hands.

While they have drawn their last four games, the spirits are still high in the Everton dressing room. The Toffees will now face Liverpool in the Merseyside derby at Anfield after the international break.