After a COVID forced halt during the festive season, Everton welcomed Brighton and Hove Albion for the first fixture of 2022. Everton last played on 16th December, managing a sensational 1-1 draw against Chelsea, playing with a largely inexperienced team.
Everton suffered yet another appalling defeat, their ninth loss of the season as Brighton edge out 3-2 winners. The Seagulls registered their first win in 10 attempts at Goodison Park. After going 2-0 down in the first half, Everton made a comeback, showing intensity and desire but in the end it proved to go in vain as Graham Potter’s team walked away with three points.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned to action after missing almost four months of football. With Richarlison out and still a number of absentees due to COVID, the Toffees were far from fielding their best lineup. In a bizarre turn of events, Coleman started as a left wing back as Everton operated in a back five with Coleman and Kenny playing as wing backs.