Beto's Dramatic Late Equaliser Rescues Everton at Brighton
David Moyes could not contain his emotions as substitute Beto bundled home a dramatic injury-time equaliser to salvage a point for Everton against Brighton. The Everton manager, who turns 63 in a couple of months, sprinted towards the away supporters in sheer delight as his players celebrated wildly on the pitch.
Brighton's Frustration Grows
For Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, this was a bitter pill to swallow. His team had dominated large periods of the match and taken the lead through Pascal Gross in the second half. However, they were unable to hold on for victory, extending their poor run to just one win in their last eleven Premier League games. Brighton players left the pitch to boos from sections of the home crowd, with much of the frustration directed at referee Chris Kavanagh for playing beyond the allotted six minutes of added time.
Everton's Defensive Resilience
Moyes deployed a formidable-looking back four, with 6ft 5in Jarrad Branthwaite making his first start of the season at left-back after returning from a long-term injury. Michael Keane returned from suspension to join James Tarkowski and Jake O'Brien in an intimidating defensive unit. Despite Brighton's early dominance, Everton's defensive organisation gradually frustrated the home side as the first half progressed.
Brighton's Early Dominance
Brighton started the match with impressive intensity, creating several clear chances within the opening minutes. Pascal Gross saw his volley deflect wide, while Danny Welbeck's improvised backheel was well saved by Jordan Pickford. Everton's defenders looked like bystanders at times, particularly when Welbeck directed a corner just past the post under minimal pressure.
Kaoru Mitoma also came close after a brilliant exchange of passes with Welbeck, but could only poke his shot wide of the far post. With Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari dominating midfield, Everton's in-form forward Thierno Barry was largely isolated during the opening exchanges.
Second Half Shift
Everton began the second half with significantly more attacking intent. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall went close after being set up by Barry's clever flick, while Branthwaite headed wide from a long throw. Dewsbury-Hall should have broken the deadlock when he latched onto Barry's cross, only for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to save with his feet.
Gross Breaks the Deadlock
Brighton finally found a way past Pickford when Mitoma cleverly dummied Ayari's cross, allowing Gross to score. The German midfielder, who rejoined Brighton earlier this month from Borussia Dortmund after seven years at the club during his first spell, made no mistake with his finish.
Late Drama Unfolds
Mitoma had a goal ruled out for offside after Gross's free-kick was headed back across goal, proving to be a crucial moment in the match. As the game entered the seventh minute of injury time, O'Brien's shot was saved but the rebound fell straight to Beto, who made no mistake from close range. The Portuguese striker's late intervention sparked wild celebrations among the Everton contingent and preserved their unbeaten record at this venue that stretches back to 2019.
European Hopes Fading
For Brighton, this result represents another setback in their pursuit of European qualification. Hürzeler's side have struggled to convert promising performances into victories, with their hopes of another continental campaign quickly evaporating. The manager exchanged angry words with the fourth official at half-time and headed straight down the tunnel, clearly frustrated with his team's inability to maintain their early intensity.
Everton, meanwhile, demonstrated the resilience and fighting spirit that has become characteristic of Moyes's teams. The dramatic late equaliser provides a significant boost as they continue their Premier League campaign, while Brighton must regroup quickly to address their concerning form.
