Everton substitute Beto struck deep into added time to snatch a dramatic 1-1 Premier League draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium, denying the Seagulls a much-needed victory in a thrilling encounter on Saturday afternoon.
Late Drama Denies Brighton
Brighton appeared destined to celebrate their first win in four top-flight outings after Pascal Gross, recently returned to the club from Borussia Dortmund, broke the deadlock with just seventeen minutes remaining. The German international fired home from the edge of the penalty area following a low cross from Yasin Ayari, sending the home supporters into raptures.
Everton's Dramatic Response
However, with the clock showing the seventh minute of added time and Brighton seemingly having survived the initial six minutes of stoppage time, Everton launched one final desperate attack. Defender Jake O'Brien unleashed a powerful effort that Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen could only parry, and Portuguese striker Beto was perfectly positioned to tap home the rebound from close range.
The equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Everton supporters and prompted Toffees manager David Moyes to run onto the pitch in jubilation. The dramatic late intervention earned Everton a valuable point, moving them on to 34 points in the Premier League table, while Brighton remain three points adrift following just one victory from their last eleven league fixtures.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The match began with a minute's applause in memory of Brighton women's coach Rado Vidosic, who passed away earlier in the week at the age of 64 following a battle with cancer. Once play commenced, Brighton started brightly, with Gross seeing a close-range effort deflected wide and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford keeping out a clever backheeled attempt from Danny Welbeck.
Albion continued to press and were almost rewarded in the 19th minute when Kaoru Mitoma, after exchanging passes with Welbeck, saw his dinked effort roll agonisingly wide of the right post following a sloppy pass from Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Everton, who began a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium by beating Brighton 2-0 in the reverse fixture back in August, struggled to create chances during a tepid first half, failing to register a single attempt on goal. Iliman Ndiaye, who opened the scoring in that August victory, looked the most likely to provide a spark for the visitors.
Second Half Improvement
The Toffees emerged with increased purpose after the interval, finally threatening when a low shot from Dewsbury-Hall flashed wide in the 52nd minute. Everton should have taken the lead fifteen minutes later when, following a poor pass from Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Thierno Barry escaped down the left wing and squared the ball, only for the unmarked Dewsbury-Hall to direct his effort too close to Verbruggen.
Brighton survived further pressure when Everton captain James Tarkowski almost headed home, before Gross's strike appeared to have secured all three points for the home side. However, Beto's last-gasp intervention ensured the points were shared in a match filled with tension and late drama.
