'I just went in' - Jake O'Brien lifts the lid on brawl and how David Moyes has changed Everton
Jake O’Brien has lifted the lid on what really went on in the post-match brawl between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s players. And the summer signing has explained the changes that have been made at the Blues after new manager David Moyes guided them to a 1-0 win at the Amex Stadium to secure their first back-to-back victories of the season.
Iliman Ndiaye’s 42nd-minute penalty proved to be the difference between the sides on the Sussex coast but following the full-time whistle there were angry scenes on the pitch as some of the home side confronted Jordan Pickford, who had earlier been booked by referee Tim Robinson for time-wasting.
And O’Brien said: “I think it was just that heads were frustrated for them and there was a little brawl with Picks. I just went in, to kind of separate it, there wasn’t much in it really.
READ MORE: Angry Brighton supporters go for Everton staff as David Moyes leads by example
“Jordan’s a different type of character if you know him personally. He loves this kind of stuff and with his experience, the knows what he’s doing.
“At times, he can upset other teams but he’s only there to help us and get the three points. He’s got plenty of personality.
“It’s easy to see why he’s number one for England and one of the top keepers in the world. You just have to watch the games, he makes fantastic saves and brings confidence when you know a keeper like this is behind you.”
Having had to wait until Everton’s 21st Premier League game of the season at home to Tottenham Hotspur to make his first start in the competition, the £16.43million arrival from Olympique Lyonnais was picked again to help the Blues pick up a second consecutive win against the Seagulls.
When asked what had changed now that Moyes has replaced Sean Dyche as manager, O’Brien said: “It’s difficult for me to say because I’ve only been here six months but for me personally, I think I look at things a lot clearer. That could just be because I’m playing as well.
“David Moyes has been excellent since he came in and made things, not easy as such, but a lot more clearer for us.
“It’s hard to put your finger on but there’s a lot more confidence now. Togetherness as well, just to know we’re not just going to be a team that just sits back; we’re a team that is going to get after games and try to win.
“You’ve seen in the last few games we’re starting to try and play a bit of football and get into teams. The manager wants us to play and to start putting other teams on the back foot and not just sit back.”
EVERTON KEEP THEIR HEADS: Chris Beesley's video verdict
Although the 6ft 6in Republic of Ireland international is primarily a centre-back, he has been delighted just to be getting a chance now under Moyes on the right-hand side of defence.
O’Brien said: “It’s a different role that I haven’t really played before, but David Moyes has been excellent since he came in and explained it really well for me. I suppose I’m not a natural right-back but it’s part of my game that I can show high up the pitch and obviously defend as well, which you saw here.
“The more I play, the more I’ll grow into it. It think that’s football in general. You adapt to new positions and the way the team play. It’s great to have two wins out of two.
“Brighton are a good team and we watched a lot on how they would play, so we knew it would be difficult and at times we’d need to sit back as you saw in the second half. We did our homework on them and even from just the way we defended… we defended really well and most importantly kept a clean sheet.
“It was an enjoyable performance. We stuck in there together. It wasn’t the easiest of wins obviously, but the most important thing is we’ve come away from a tough place with three points. We try and make it as hard as possible for teams to play against us now and thankfully it worked out for us.”
MASSIVE WIN: Joe Thomas' video verdict
Although the first half of the season was frustrating for the 23-year-old with him mostly on the sidelines, he can feel being part of a new-found togetherness now within the group – he celebrated a team-mate’s interception with an enthusiastic fist pump – and appreciated being able to celebrate at the end with Everton’s travelling supporters who had made the 550-mile round trip from Merseyside.
O’Brien said: “It was frustrating, but I knew I had to learn my trade and watch for a bit. I didn’t think it’d take this long but I’m happy to be playing now in any role that’s needed and just happy to help the team.
“It was difficult just to see out the game. Moments like that (the block) can help you win games and bring confidence back to the team. Everyone is putting their body on the line and blocks give us a boost and pushes us over the line.
“It’s a long way for the fans to travel. We were very happy to see them there and very grateful to see them come down.”
