David Moyes made three changes to the Everton XI for the trip to the Amex, opting for a back four built around four centre-halves. Michael Keane returned alongside Jarrad Branthwaite, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also came into the side. Everton lined up as: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite; Gana, Garner, Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall; Ndiaye, Barry.
Everton endured a difficult start, with Brighton controlling possession and testing Jordan Pickford early, including a near-dink from Danny Welbeck.
Everton began the second half with more purpose. Thierno Barry, Dewsbury-Hall, and James Garner combined well in midfield, but clear-cut chances were scarce. The Toffees struggled to create meaningful chances, with their first effort only arriving in the 53rd minute as Dewsbury-Hall’s low drive narrowly missed the far post.
Brighton eventually broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Pascal Gross, finding space after a clever touch from Charalampos Kostoulas, calmly finished from close range.
Moyes responded with 10 minutes to go by bringing on Carlos Alcaraz, Tim Iroegbunam, and Tyler Dibling in a bid to turn the game around. With just minutes remaining, Beto and Patterson joined the action from the 89th minute, but it wasn’t until the 96th minute that the Toffees’ persistence paid off.
Jake O’Brien’s initial shot was parried by Verbruggen, but Beto was perfectly placed to follow up, lifting the ball around the prone goalkeeper and into the net. The equaliser sparks scenes of jubilation among the travelling Everton supporters and salvages a dramatic point from what had looked like a frustrating afternoon.
Full Time: Brighton 1-1 Everton
A well deserved point for Everton, who were second-best for long periods but showed admirable persistence and resilience. While the defensive quartet of Keane, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, and O’Brien kept Brighton at bay, the Toffees’ late attacking determination, epitomised by Beto’s finish, ensured they left the Amex with something.
