Everton will now have to secure a win from one of their two games to ensure Premier League status
The window of opportunity to ensure their safety had opened. Leeds United just managed to score an injury time equalizer to share the points at Elland Road, meaning that the Toffees needed a win to secure their Premier League status for next season and officially put an end to their relegation battle.
Frank Lampard ringed three changes to his Everton side as Jarrad Branthwaite, Andre Gomes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin came in for Michael Keane, Fabian Delph and Demarai Gray. Alex Iwobi trained with the defenders indicating that there was no change in the system and Lampard did stick to three centre backs, and two wingback system.
Everton started very brightly and played precise expansive football. The Toffees took the lead through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, his first since August 2021, but soon the balance immediately shifted on Brentford’s side as Branthwaite was sent off in the 18th minute. Everton’s nerves started jangling as Brentford grew into the game and eventually found an equalizer through a Seamus Coleman deflection courtesy of Yoane Wissa’s cross.
Momentum was in Brentford’s favour as the visitors took advantage of the extra man. Jordan Pickford had to make some key saves to keep Everton in the game. The Toffees were hoping for the half time whistle to come early in order to regroup but just on the stroke of half time, Richarlison won a penalty as he was pulled down by Mads Bech Sorenson.
Brentford found the equalizer in the second half through Wissa, who scored a remarkable header. In a flash, the Bees overturned a one goal deficit into a one goal lead as Rico Henry scored the third goal for the visitors, silencing the Everton crowd.
Everton made offensive changes but it wasn’t their day. In fact, Salomon Rondon was punished for a horrendous challenge, earning a red card. Brentford completed a 3-2 comeback which now puts pressure on Everton to secure three points against Crystal Palace to ensure their safety.
Everton player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6
Pickford had to make a couple of saves in the first half, especially after Everton were reduced to 10 men. Pickford had no chance with any of Brentford’s goals. In total, the Englishman made four saves.
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Branthwaite’s red card shifted momentum in Brentford’s favour
Defence:
Seamus Coleman – 6
With Branthwaite red carded, Everton moved to a back four and Seamus Coleman operated alongside Mason Holgate as a centre back. Wissa’s cross hit Coleman’s head and ended past Pickford. Despite that, Coleman has held his fort and was solid in the first half. The Irishman has had a lot of work to do in the second half as Brentford’s relentless pressure kept the game mostly in Everton’s half.
Mason Holgate – 6
Mason Holgate became the only natural centre back in the side after Branthwaite was sent off and his work immediately increased. With Brentford pushing, the Englishman has remained very disciplined and careful. Much like other defenders, Holgate had a very busy evening.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 4
Jarrad Branthwaite had a huge responsibility on his shoulders filling in for Michael Keane who was left out of the squad. Branthwaite earned himself a red card for pulling Ivan Toney just outside the Everton penalty area.
The red card wasn’t controversial but the events that unfolded before the red card were questionable. On the other end, Richarlison had his shirt pulled in the Brentford penalty area and should have been awarded a penalty but nothing was given to Everton.
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Andre Gomes replaced Fabian Delph in the Everton lineup
Midfield:
Alex Iwobi – 7
Alex Iwobi operated with vigour, reprising the role of right wing back. However, Iwobi’s assignment changed soon as Branthwaite’s red card saw Everton move to a back four and Iwobi operated as a right back. Switching to a right back, Iwobi’s defensive responsibilities increased and he was matching up to every task.
In the second half, the majority of his presence was in Everton’s half defending against Wissa and Co. After Jonjoe Kenny came on, Iwobi moved forward but just couldn’t make much of an impact as the Toffees clearly lacked a body in the middle.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6
Abdoulaye Doucoure seemed to struggle in possession as Brentford pressed forward. The Mali international did his part defensively but he was further burdened by extra work after Branthwaite’s red.
Doucoure had a free header in the second half and if it hadn’t been for the excellence of David Raya, the Toffees would have found the third goal. Clearly struggled in a two man midfield and would have been more secure if he had Delph alongside him.
Andre Gomes – 5
Everton’s midfield two are clearly struggling to get hold of the ball. Andre Gomes did take a long-range shot which was saved by Raya. Gomes looked out of sync and was never really confident when on the ball. He was taken off to allow Iwobi to play in a more advanced role than that of a right back.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Vitaliy Mykolenko enjoyed early attacking freedom but since the red card, the Ukrainian has had to defend deep. Bryan Mbuemo gave Mykolenko some scares but the 22 year old negotiated well. Mykolenko was defensively monstrous as he kept his side clean. He was dribbled past just once in the entire game and made three important interceptions
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Richarlison and DCL had a strong game but their efforts went in vain
Attack:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was smart to lay off a long ball into Richarlison’s path which eventually gave Everton the first big chance of the game. He won physical battles and was radiant from the start. Calvert-Lewin was rewarded with the goal as he had the most delicate of the final touch before the ball went past Raya. This was his first goal since August and a goal that will lift his spirits.
Calvert-Lewin soon become an isolated man in the second half as Everton defended deep. The Englishman tried to hold up the ball and run down the channels when an opportunity arose but nothing came out of it.
Had a chance to close the tie early in the second half when Richarlison thumped a ball into the box but Calvert-Lewin was a whisker away from the ball. Had that been a goal, we would have been seeing a very different scoreline.
Richarlison – 7
Richarlison had a golden opportunity to send Everton into an early lead as he intended to head home but he headed it wide. Anthony Gordon’s effort is saved and the rebound fell to Richarlison but he couldn’t find the back of the net. Should have been awarded a penalty but the referee turned a blind eye to Everton’s shouts.
It was almost one sided traffic and Everton were screaming for the half time whistle but just at the stroke of 45 minutes, Richarlison was brought down by Sorenson in the penalty area. Anguish turned to ecstasy as Richarlison with nerves of ice, converted the penalty to send 10 men Everton into the lead.
Richarlison toiled relentlessly, helping his side to defend against the Bees. The Brazilian’s effort needs to be saluted but it was sad to see all of it go in vain.
Anthony Gordon – 6
Gordon had half a chance as Richarlison played the ball to him but his effort was saved by Raya and the Brazilian striker failed to score on the rebound. Gordon whipped an enticing free kick into the box, where Richarlison got a touch before Calvert-Lewin got the final touch and got the goal.
Gordon was committed defensively but there’s only so much defensive work a pure attacker than do as he just couldn’t track Rico Henry’s run which eventually saw the Brentford left back to score. The youngster was taken off for the pace of Demarai Gray
Will Everton win against Crystal Palace and ensure their safety?