LONDON: Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a superb stoppage-time save to earn his side a gritty Premier League point in a 0-0 draw away at West Ham United on Saturday.
The England stopper sprung into the air to tip over a powerful deflected shot from substitute Danny Ings to ensure the visitors returned with something to show for their efforts.
A draw, Everton’s fourth in their last seven Premier League games, was about right in a game that improved after the break following a dismal opening period at the London Stadium.
Pickford, displaying why he is still England’s first-choice keeper, made other key saves while the closest either side came to scoring was when West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville was played through but saw his shot rebound off the post.
It was a disappointing outcome for West Ham who remain in 14th place with 12 points, two places and two points better off than Everton who would have been happier with the result.
A smattering of boos were heard at the final whistle from disgruntled home fans with manager Julen Lopetegui still struggling to gain any momentum since taking charge.
“We had more chances than them. In the second half, we had more clear chances to win the game,” Lopetegui said.
“The first half was a gift for them. We lost 45 minutes. In the second half we did better, we were aggressive and had chances to win. Matches aren’t about 45 minutes.”
West Ham did little to lift the November gloom in the first half and barely threatened the visitors goal until just before the break when Jarrod Bowen linked with Michail Antonio and his angled shot was well saved by Pickford at his near post.
Everton, who began the game in positive fashion, were also ineffective in attack. Sean Dyche’s side started the second half well and home keeper Lukasz Fabianski was called in to action to keep out a header by Everton’s Jesper Lindstrom.
West Ham showed some belated urgency to get three points and Pickford was beaten in the 73rd minute as Summerville took a pass smoothly in his stride and struck a left-foot shot that bounced back off the woodwork.
Pickford then produced the game’s standout moment with a sensational reaction save to deny Ings.
Dyche found some positives in his side’s display but said a lack of spark in attack was a concern.
“We just need a bit of devil in the final third and a bit of devil in the box, but it’s not easy in the Premier League,” he said.