Brighton fought back to grab a point at Everton, as Vitaliy Mykolenko’s first half strike was not enough to grab all three points for the Toffees.
WATCH EVERTON v BRIGHTON REPLAY
An own goal from Ashley Young late in the second saw Brighton grab a deserved equalizer as Kaoru Mitoma and Pascall Gross pulled the strings and the Seagulls dominated large periods of the game but Everton had plenty of big chances.
The point moves Everton on to 11 points for the season, while Brighton have 18 but are without a win in five Premier League games.
Quick, calm passing behind Everton’s resurgence
Yes, they didn’t hold on for the win but Everton have been so much better in recent weeks and it is down to one thing: having a focal point and playing to it quickly. Dominic Calvert-Lewin gives them an out-ball and the likes of Doucoure, McNeil and Harrison are willing runners in-behind him. Everton had plenty of success in the first half when they played the ball forward quickly and cleanly and Harrison and McNeil were really good and staying calm and picking the right pass to advance the team up the pitch and make the most of the gaps Brighton left. Burnley did this very well under Sean Dyche too and this group of Everton players are well-suited to his quick passing and movement. Some call it direct, but it should be called smart, simple and effective. Everton have just one defeat in their last four games and they are turning things around under Dyche.
Everton vs Brighton player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com, the player ratings show that Pickford, Tarkowski and Mykolenko were very good defensively for the Toffees. Mitoma and Dunk were the standouts for the Seagulls and their main attacking threats as Dunk went close on several occasions.
What’s next?
Everton head to play Crystal Palace on Saturday, Nov. 11. Brighton head to Ajax for a crucial Europa League game on Thursday, Nov. 9, then host Sheffield United on Sunday, Nov. 12.
How to watch Everton vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 11am ET (Saturday, Nov. 4)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
FULL TIME: Everton 1-1 Brighton
Probably a fair result all things considered. Everton were good in the first half and had some big chances throughout, but Brighton dominated the tempo of the game and didn’t deserve to lose that.
SO CLOSE! Everton almost retake the lead
A corner is whipped to the back post and Doucoure almost bundles the ball home as he is basically juggling it and trying to get over the line. Somehow Brighton clear. Chaos.
GOALLLL! Everton 1-1 Brighton (Ashley Young own goal, 84th minute)
Oh, that is cruel on Everton. Mitoma cuts inside and shifts the ball to his left foot and his cross takes a wicked deflection off Ashley Young and flies in. 1-1. Can Everton hold on for a point? Will Brighton grab a late winner?
CLOSE! Dwight McNeil almost clinches it
A lovely low curler from McNeil flashes just wide of the post and most of the stadium thought it was in. Everton so close to a crucial second goal that would have surely sealed all three points.
CLOSE! Gross goes close after Mitoma magic
Mitoma cuts in from the left and bamboozles several defenders before cutting the ball back to Gross but his shot flies just over as Everton flung themselves in front of him. The Seagulls are knocking at the door.
SAVE! What a stop from Jordan Pickford
Magnificent free kick from Lewis Dunk (he’s determined to score a beauty today) from distance is arrowing towards the top corner but Pickford pushes it over with a fine stop. Brighton pushing hard for the equalizer early in the second half.
HALF TIME: Everton 1-0 Brighton
The Toffees are ahead and they took their big chance and have looked dangerous on the counter. Brighton had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside and have had plenty of the ball but everything has been a little rushed for the Seagulls.
Everton dangerous on the break
The Toffees are swarming forward whenever they get a chance to and they are linking the ball well with precise passes when they do have it. Brighton dominating possession, as they usually do, but they’re struggling to break through and look open on the counter.
NO GOALLL! Brighton thought they were level
Lewis Dunk looked to have put Brighton level but his brilliant volleyed effort was ruled out by VAR for offside. Looked like Evan Ferguson was offside and interfering with play. What a finish from Dunk... but it doesn’t count. He will be gutted about it.
GOALLL! Everton 1-0 Brighton (Mykolenko, 7th minute)
Everton lead and Ukrainian left back Mykolenko smashes home at the near post at the second attempt. Goodison goes wild and Everton get their early goal.
Everton lineup
Today's Toffees! ✊#EVEBHA pic.twitter.com/BUZR3LsQ7r
— Everton (@Everton) November 4, 2023
Brighton lineup
COME ON ALBION! 💪 Here's our starting XI to face @Everton in the @PremierLeague. 📝
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 4, 2023
📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🟢⚫️ pic.twitter.com/DmXQMfkF22
Focus on Everton, team news
Injuries have eased for Everton and they look much more dangerous in attack. Calvert-Lewin provides a focal point and the duo of Dwight McNeil and Harrison are providing chances galore and Onana and Doucoure are arriving into the box with regularity too. Their shutout win at West Ham last week saw Everton look very comfortable in soaking up pressure and launching counters and they’ll have to do something similar this week against Brighton. Dele Alli remains out, while Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes are both closing in on a return.
Focus on Brighton, team news
Injuries are starting to pile up for Brighton with Julio Enciso, Jakub Moder, Danny Welbeck and Solly March all out, while Pervis Estupinan and Tariq Lamptey are also doubtful. Finding the right combinations in attack has been a bit of an issue for Brighton but teenager Evan Ferguson should lead the line and the duo of Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra will likely support him from out wide.
