Brighton 1 Everton 1
Roberto De Zerbi’s side welcomed Everton to the Amex Stadium, with the visitors having now gone eight games without a win. Not the sort of form you need when you are scrapping at the foot of the table, that is for sure.
The Seagulls’ fans showed their appreciation for Simon Adingra before the game who had won the AFCON tournament with Ivory Coast while also being awarded the ‘young player of the tournament’ accolade at the same time.
Hopefully history will not repeat itself as the last time they did something like this was for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who then headed off for pastures new as he joined Liverpool. That said, Brighton are making some good money from their football model.
De Zerbi’s side almost took an early lead when Buonanotte slotted Welbeck through. He neatly took the ball past the onrushing Pickford but could not retrieve it as it ran out for a goal kick. Fortunately for the visitors their keeper opted to make no challenge on the forward in the process.
Credit: @OfficialBHAFC
Ferguson then found Adingra, who twisted and turned confronted by two defenders. He shifted the ball onto his left foot and rifled a shot at goal. It narrowly fizzed past the top of the crossbar with Pickford well beaten by the pace of the effort.
Tarkowski played a sublime crossfield pass to Mykolenko. He tried to find Calvert-Lewin with his cross but Dunk just managed to get something on the ball before the striker could head for goal. It was an early warning for the hosts that The Toffees could hurt them on the break.
Into the second half, Beto skipped past van Hecke who chopped him down. Garner clipped an inswinging cross into the box but no one could get a telling touch as the ball narrowly missed the far post. The visitors were looking dangerous from set pieces.
As a long ball was hit forward, the ball dropped to Branthwaite in the box. He took one touch to control it before drilling a left-footed shot into the top corner of the goal. It silenced the home fans as Sean Dyche’s side got what could be an all-important goal.
Shortly after, Gilmour went in high with a challenge on Onana that left the midfielder on the floor reeling in pain. The referee did not need to think twice as he produced a red card for The Seagulls’ midfielder, a decision which VAR quickly confirmed.
At this stage the travelling Everton fans must have fancied their chances of getting a long-awaited victory. Enciso, back from a long-term injury, found Fati on the edge of the box. He immediately shot for the bottom corner but Pickford did well to get down and turn it around the post.
Credit: @premierleague
Deep into stoppage time McNeil committed a silly foul out wide. It allowed the hosts the chance to get the ball in the box. As the ball dropped, a series of shots by Brighton were well blocked by The Toffees. Dyche’s players were throwing their bodies on the line to try and hold on for the win.
Just as it seemed defeat was inevitable, Gross clipped a cross in from the right and Dunk rose to head it into the far corner and the Amex Stadium erupted. Heads dropped with all those in Everton shirts as the reality of the situation dawned upon them.
The points were shared but it will certainly seem like two points dropped for the visitors, considering the position they had got themselves into. Roberto De Zerbi will be pleased with the fight his side showed after going down to ten men.
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