Moyes’ 700th Milestone Marked by Controversial Win
Everton‘s resurgence under David Moyes reached new heights as a contentious first-half penalty from Iliman Ndiaye secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. The win not only celebrated Moyes’ 700th Premier League match as a manager but also extended Everton’s unbeaten streak to five games at Brighton’s home ground.
The decisive moment came just before halftime when referee Tim Robinson—advised by VAR—awarded a penalty after Joel Veltman was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Ndiaye coolly converted (42′), marking his third goal in six matches since Boxing Day. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler later fumed, calling the decision “not a clear handball,” but Everton’s defensive resilience ensured the three points.
Tactical Breakdown: Everton’s Defensive Fortress
Brighton’s Frustration in Attack
Brighton dominated possession (67%) and registered 33 touches in Everton’s box but managed just one shot on target—a tame effort from Carlos Baleba. The Seagulls’ lack of cutting edge was glaring, with Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck largely neutralized by Everton’s backline.
Key Stat: Brighton have now won just 3 points from their last 15 available at home, highlighting their struggles to break down compact defenses.
Everton’s Defensive Heroes
Jarrad Branthwaite was a colossus at the back, earning Player of the Match with 9 clearances and 3 interceptions. James Tarkowski (8/10) and Jordan Pickford (7/10) were equally imperious, with Pickford’s sixth yellow card of the season—a league-high for goalkeepers—underscoring his aggressive sweeper-keeper role.
Calvert-Lewin’s early hamstring injury forced Everton into a rearguard battle, but Beto’s physicality kept Brighton’s defense unsettled.
Key Controversies and Post-Match Reactions
The Penalty Debate
Hurzeler argued Veltman’s handball was involuntary, stating: “When you’re pushed, your arms naturally move. VAR shouldn’t intervene.” Moyes countered, “It was a definite penalty—Veltman used his hand to control the ball.”
Moyes’ Praise for Everton’s Resilience
Despite playing the final 15 minutes with 10 men (after exhausting substitutions), Everton held firm. Moyes lauded his squad: “The players fought unbelievably hard. Brighton are a top side, but we limited them to half-chances.”
Opta Stats: Brighton’s Unbeaten Run Ends
- Everton’s first back-to-back league wins this season.
- Brighton’s 7-game unbeaten streak snapped—their longest since 2021.
- Pickford tied Ederson for second-most yellow cards by a PL goalkeeper (23).
What’s Next?
Everton (15th, 19 points) host Aston Villa next, aiming to widen their 7-point cushion over the drop zone. Brighton (9th, 34 points) travel to Spurs, seeking to revive their European hopes.
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