Everton vs Brighton: Can Brighton Break The Streams of Losses Today!

Brighton is encountering a challenging period in the Premier League, having not secured a win in their last four matches, with two draws and two losses. During their recent away games, they've been particularly vulnerable, conceding eight goals across two matches.

Despite these setbacks, they aim to reverse their fortunes in today's match against an Everton team that has had its share of struggles this season. The demands of competing in the Europa League may have affected Roberto De Zerbi's team's recent form, yet this match presents an opportunity for them to course-correct.

Everton, on the other hand, is looking to build on recent successes, having achieved three wins in their last five Premier League fixtures, though they also faced two defeats. They come off the back of a win against West Ham United at the London Stadium, followed by a convincing 3-0 victory over Burnley in the EFL Cup.

Sean Dyche's squad returns to Goodison Park with the intention of delivering a performance akin to last season's at the Amex Stadium, where they decisively beat Brighton 5-1. With the prospective new owners from 777 Partners having been present in the stands lately, they, along with the rest of the Everton faithful, will be eager for the team to display another strong performance on home ground today.

Let’s take a look at these highlights today:

First-half begins!!

• In the 3^rd minute, Brighton remains committed to the possession-based approach that has characterized their play and brought them considerable success under Roberto De Zerbi's guidance. They are focusing on patience in their build-up and retaining control of the ball. Conversely, Everton is adopting a more reactive strategy, content to maintain a solid defensive shape and organized play, waiting for opportune moments to exploit any openings that may arise.
• In the 7^th minute, Everton takes the lead with an emphatic start, scoring to make it 1-0. The dynamic duo of Calvert-Lewin and McNeil combine effectively down the left side, with McNeil delivering another well-placed cross into the danger area. Mykolenko, joining the attack from his defensive position, charges into the penalty box to meet the cross. His initial effort is saved by Verbruggen, but the rebound lands fortuitously back at his feet, allowing him to strike the ball into the net, marking his first goal of the season.
• In the 13^th minute, Branthwaite concedes a foul against Adingra deep in Everton's half, much to the dismay of the home supporters at Goodison Park. This gives Brighton a valuable opportunity to deliver the ball into a crowded penalty area from the resulting free-kick, with Pascal Gross preparing to take the set-piece.
• In the 15^th minute, Brighton equalizes, making the score 1-1 with a spectacular goal! Dunk manages to get free at the back post and executes an outstanding volley that finds its way into the back of the net. Gross's assist was pinpoint accurate, setting up the opportunity flawlessly. However, the celebration is momentarily paused as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team is reviewing the play for a potential issue.
• In the 17^th minute, the moment of elation for Brighton is short-lived as the goal is disallowed following VAR review. Despite Dunk's exceptional volley that beat Pickford, he was found to be offside, having moved just ahead of the last defender before the ball was played. The decision means Brighton will not level the score and Dunk will have to wait longer for his first goal of the season, as the game resumes with Everton maintaining their lead.
• In the 20^th minute, during an Everton counter-attack, Gilmour tried to halt Doucoure's progress, prompting the referee to allow play to continue under the advantage rule. Once the play ceased, the referee, recalling the previous infraction, proceeded to book Gilmour with a yellow card for his foul.
• In the 23^rd minute, Dunk receives a caution, as the referee shows him a yellow card for committing a foul on Calvert-Lewin. The infraction took place just outside the penalty area, setting up a potentially dangerous free-kick opportunity for Everton.
• In the 27^th minute, Mitoma, playing on the wing, engages in a one-on-one with Young, managing to outpace the Everton defender. As he makes his move, goalkeeper Pickford decides to come off his line in an attempt to intercept. Mitoma reaches the ball first with a light touch, but Pickford is quick to react and successfully collects the ball, averting the danger posed by the Brighton winger.
• In the 34^th minute, Everton finds themselves in a precarious position despite being in the lead, as Brighton continues to show potential in their attacking play. Although the Seagulls are finding it challenging to carve out definitive scoring opportunities, their ball movement under De Zerbi's direction is causing issues for the Toffees' defense. Everton will need to remain vigilant to preserve their lead against an industrious Brighton side.
• In the 40^th minute, Everton, while not dominating possession, are capitalizing on their opportunities more effectively than Brighton. With six shots compared to Brighton's three, they are demonstrating a more clinical edge in front of goal. As the first half draws to a close, Dyche is undoubtedly eager for his team to extend their lead and secure a more comfortable advantage by finding the net for a second time.
• In the 43^rd minute, Gueye has been shown a yellow card following a moment of contention, where Everton players called for a penalty due to an alleged foul on McNeil. The referee, not convinced by the penalty claim, also took issue with Gueye's response to the incident, leading to the midfielder receiving a caution for his conduct.
• In the 45+2 minute, as the first half winds down, Everton seem content to allow Brighton to maintain possession and attempt to dismantle their defense. However, Brighton, under De Zerbi, are finding it difficult to penetrate the well-organized back line that Dyche’s team has put up. The Seagulls' lack of effective attacking options will likely be a point of concern for their manager, who will expect a more incisive approach from his team in response to an unproductive first 45 minutes.

Second-half begins!!!

• In the 46^th minute, at the start of the second half, De Zerbi decides to make an adjustment to his lineup following a lackluster first half from Brighton. Lallana is substituted out, with Joao Pedro coming on to the pitch. This change suggests a strategic shift as De Zerbi looks to inject some fresh energy and creativity into the team in hopes of overcoming Everton's defense and revitalizing the Seagulls' performance.
• In the 50^th minute, Gueye and Dunk are evidently continuing with their assertive style of play early into the second half, each committing fouls despite already being booked. Their managers may need to address this risky behavior, potentially through a stern reminder of the need for caution or by contemplating substitutions to avoid being reduced to ten men. The match's intensity hasn't waned since the first half, and managing these players' aggression while maintaining a full squad on the field will be crucial for both teams.
• In the 54^th minute, Doucoure has received a yellow card, adding another name to the referee's book in this match. It appears that the official is maintaining a tight control over the game, penalizing any unsportsmanlike conduct to ensure the match remains in order. Players will need to tread carefully to avoid further cautions or potential dismissals.
• In the 58^th minute, since the resumption of play, Everton have found it challenging to assert themselves offensively. Under Dyche's guidance, they have not managed any presence within Brighton's penalty area, indicating a possible tactical decision to adopt a more defensive stance and withstand the ongoing pressure. Despite the practicality of such a strategy when protecting a lead, the Goodison Park crowd is evidently eager for the team to push forward and secure a more comfortable lead by scoring an additional goal. Their anticipation for offensive action reflects a desire not just for a win, but for a convincing performance from their team.
• In the 64^th minute, Brighton is intensifying their efforts, putting the defensive organization of Everton to the test. Although De Zerbi's team has only recorded one attempt on goal in this half, courtesy of Dunk's set-piece, the match could prove strenuous for Everton if they persist in permitting Brighton to progress the ball into threatening positions. As the game draws closer to its conclusion, the Toffees will have to be vigilant and perhaps reconsider their approach to mitigate the Seagulls' growing dominance and prevent them from capitalizing on their forward momentum.
• In the 68^th minute, Gilmour has been actively initiating offensive plays from a deep position, contributing with 16 passes into the attacking third. Despite this level of engagement, Brighton's manager has decided to make a tactical adjustment. Dahoud is being introduced to the match as a replacement, signaling a strategic shift as they continue to seek a path through Everton's defenses. This substitution may aim to inject fresh dynamics into the midfield and alter the pattern of the game in Brighton's favor.
• In the 74^th minute, Everton creates a promising opportunity! Harrison navigates the right flank skillfully, approaching Brighton's penalty box with intent. McNeil, positioned centrally, calls for the ball, which Harrison duly delivers. Receiving the pass, McNeil adjusts the ball onto his left foot and releases a shot from the perimeter of the area. The effort from the Everton winger is powerful and precise, narrowly missing the target as it whizzes beyond the post. A moment that nearly widened the gap for Everton, as they continue to search for that crucial second goal.
• In the 79^th minute, after Everton manages to clear a threatening free-kick, the ball eventually finds its way to Kaoru Mitoma, who is unmarked inside the box. Presented with a prime opportunity, the Brighton winger unfortunately lacks composure, sending his left-footed effort well over the bar, far from threatening the goal. Mitoma will certainly be frustrated with himself for not capitalizing on such a chance, as moments like these can be decisive in a match.
• In the 81^st minute, James Tarkowski has been booked, receiving a yellow card in the match.
• In the 84^th minute, Brighton equalizes! The Seagulls make their possession count as Mitoma receives a fantastic pass on the left-hand side and takes on Harrison. Brighton's winger creates space for himself and delivers a cross into the box, but it takes a deflection off Young and loops over Pickford, finding the back of the net. It's an unfortunate turn of events for Everton, but De Zerbi's team has been dominant in the second half. The score is now 1-1.
• In the 89^th minute, Everton makes a defensive substitution, with Patterson entering the game to replace Young. This change brings in the Scotland international, Patterson, who is expected to provide added pace and an attacking threat from the defensive position.
• In the 90+4 minute, Burnley seems to be in a dilemma, torn between pushing for a late winner and safeguarding their defensive shape to avoid conceding again. While a draw wouldn't be the worst outcome for Everton, they had held the lead for a significant portion of the game and may have hoped for all three points. With the match approaching its final moments, both teams face crucial decisions in how to approach the closing stages.

And it’s all over. Brighton secured a late draw at Goodison Park as Everton couldn't maintain their lead. Mykolenko scored his first goal of the season for the Toffees, putting them ahead with a finish in the box. Burnley defended deep and absorbed pressure for the remainder of the match, but Brighton managed to find an equalizer when Young inadvertently turned a Mitoma cross into his own net.

It was a heartbreaking moment for Everton, who fought until the end. Everton's next match is away against Crystal Palace as they aim to continue their impressive form, while Brighton will seek to end their winless streak of five games when they host Sheffield United in the Premier League. That concludes today's coverage. Goodbye!