In a finish that encapsulated the relentless drama of the Premier League, substitute Beto scored in the seventh minute of added time to snatch a 1-1 draw for Everton against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The goal, coming with virtually the last kick of the match, sparked wild celebrations from the travelling Everton supporters and prompted a jubilant sprint onto the pitch from manager David Moyes.
The result extends Everton’s unbeaten run to four matches and maintains their impressive record at this venue, where they have not lost since 2019.
The match began somberly with a minute’s applause in memory of Brighton women’s coach Rado Vidosic, who died earlier in the week. When play commenced, Brighton dominated the early exchanges, creating several clear chances.
Danny Welbeck saw a clever backheel saved by Jordan Pickford, and Kaoru Mitoma agonizingly dinked a shot wide after a slick passing move, highlighting Everton’s sluggish start. The visitors offered almost nothing in attack during the first half, failing to register a single shot.
Everton emerged with more purpose after the interval and began to create opportunities. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall saw a low drive flash wide and then squandered a golden chance, shooting too close to Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen after being set up by Thierno Barry.
The home team made them pay for that miss in the 73rd minute. A low cross from the right was cleverly dummied, allowing Pascal Groß to sweep a first-time finish into the bottom corner for his first goal since returning to the club.
With the clock ticking past the initial six minutes of added time and Brighton seemingly home and dry, Everton launched one final assault. A ball into the box was headed clear but only to Jake O’Brien, whose powerful shot was parried by Verbruggen.
The rebound fell perfectly for Beto, who tapped home from close range to secure a stunning point. The late equalizer leaves Brighton with just one win in their last eleven league games, their hopes for European qualification fading further.
Everton, meanwhile, climb to eighth in the table with 34 points, three ahead of the 13th-place Seagulls.