Keen to pick up another three points following their slender win at West Ham United’s London Stadium last time out, Everton welcomed Brighton to Goodison Park. The Seagulls were held to a 1-1 draw against Fulham in their previous match, just days after defeating AFC Ajax in the UEFA Europa League.
EVE: Pickford; Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Young; McNeil, Gueye, Garner, Harrison; Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin
BHA: Verbruggen; Groß, Dunk, van Hecke, Veltman; Milner, Gilmour, Lallana; Mitoma, Ferguson, Adingra
Looking to capitalise on Brighton’s indifferent recent form, the Toffees took a rapid lead – much to the joy of the home faithful, as Vitaliy Mykolenko arrived to crash home after just seven minutes after the Seagulls had failed to deal with his initial effort.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton’s best opportunities to restore parity came through their captain Lewis Dunk, with the defender finding the back of the net with a sublime volley from Pascal Groß’s free-kick – but VAR ruled him offside.
He came close again in the second half, forcing Jordan Pickford into action from another set piece, although it was ultimately Ashley Young that saw his unlucky deflection loop over his own goalkeeper to ensure the match ended in a draw.
Everton travel to Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park next weekend, while Brighton must endure a trip to Amsterdam before they can host Sheffield United on Sunday.
