Everton so nearly executed the perfect smash-and-grab to go three points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone, but they instead settled for just a point as 10-man Brighton equalized in stoppage time.
[ MORE: Upcoming Premier League schedule | Live PL table ]
Three points would have also snapped an eight-game winless run for Sean Dyche’s side, but alas it stretches to nine instead (0W-5D-4L). 18th-place Luton Town sit just a point behind Everton (21 points), but they now have a game in hand with 13 left to play. The draw also sees Brighton (39 points) fail to fully capitalize on Manchester United’s defeat to Fulham, moving only to five points out of the top-six.
Everton didn’t attempt their first shot of the game until the 57th minute (at which point Brighton had already taken 11), but they were first on the scoreboard with just over a quarter-hour left to play. In true Dyche style, the goal came from a set piece as Jordan Pickford booted the ball into the penalty area where it was only partially cleared before falling to Jarrad Branthwaite near the penalty spot. Branthwaite smashed a rising finish home to put the Toffees ahead against the run of play.
Things got worse for Brighton eight minutes later, when Billy Gilmour went in high on Amadou Onana. Gilmour put his studs into the side of Onana’s calf and was quickly shown a straight red card. The sending-off certainly made the uphill sledding even steeper, until a bit of football irony struck Dyche in the 94th minute.
Set pieces giveth, and set pieces taketh. The initial corner was headed away, but only as far as Pascal Gross, who has a wand of a right foot when it comes to crossing the ball. Gross curled one over and around the Everton defense and found Lewis Dunk’s head at the far post. Dunk looped a perfect header out of Jordan Pickford’s reach and placed it just inside the far post to rescue a point in the end.
What’s next?
Everton will continue their relegation fight with a trip to east London to take on West Ham next Saturday (10 am ET). Brighton will be away to Fulham at the same time.
Player ratings - Brighton vs Everton
Brighton vs Everton, final score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Jarrad Brainthwaite (73'), Lewis Dunk (90'+4)
73rd minute - GOAL - Jarrad Branthwaite smashes through traffic to put Everton ahead
81st minute - RED CARD - Billy Gilmour sent off for high challenge on Amadou Onana
90th minute +4 - GOAL - Lewis Dunk rises and heads home the equalizer in stoppage time
How to watch Brighton vs Everton live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Brighton starting lineup
Verbruggen — Lamptey, Van Hecke, Dunk, Igor — Gilmour, Gross — Adingra, Buonanotte, Welbeck, Ferguson
Everton starting lineup
Pickford — Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko — Harrison, Garner, Gueye, McNeil — Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin
Brighton team news, focus
Having Mitoma and Adingra back has added an extra dimension to Brighton’s attack and they now look really dangerous. Injuries have started to calm down which is a huge relief for RDZ as the Seagulls aim to hunt down the six-point gap to sixth place between now and the end of the season.
OUT: Joao Pedro (hamstring), Julio Enciso (knee), Solly March (knee), James Milner (thigh), Jack Hinshelwood (ankle)
Everton team news, focus
The Toffees have a very settled lineup but Dyche needs more creativity from open play and for players to stop snatching at chances. They’re so dangerous from set-piece situations and Everton will sit in and frustrate Brighton and look to hit them on the counter, just like they did in their stunning 5-1 win at the Amex last season.
OUT: Arnaut Danjuma (ankle), Dele Alli (groin), Andre Gomes (calf)