Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Everton 2
Albion’s unbeatable run is at an end as goals from Demarai Gray and a second-half penalty from England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin saw off the Seagulls.
Rafa Benitez has certainly organised his players well. Albion hardly dirtied Jordans Pickford’s gloves in open play.
The Seagulls struggled with the pace of Andros Townsend and Gray. Richarlison was also a constant thorn in Albion’s side.
Albion had a good amount of possession but made little impact.
Leandro Trossard was in the wars from the off and although the work rate seen against Watford was evident, Everton were a different kettle of fish.
Townsend had the first on-target effort of the match which was well saved by Albion keeper Robert Sanchez.
It was the Brazilian, Allan, who sidestepped the Albion midfield and sent Gray scurrying away to sweep a low shot past Adam Webster to put Everton in front four minutes before half time.
Joel Veltman replaced Alexis Mac Allister at half time and the Dutch full back looked to give Albion extra attacking impetus.
Pascal Gross stepped up to fire a free kick inside the D goalbound, but England keeper Jordan Pickford smuggled it away when it looked to have beaten him.
Soon after Veltman hesitated while clearing and was closed down by Abdoulaye Doucoure. The Everton man was thent unceremoniously bundled over by Veltman to gift Everton a penalty.
Richarlison was incensed that he was not permitted to take the spot kick and showed his petulant side.
The extra pressure was then on Calvert-Lewin who planted a low spot-kick home with aplomb to double Everton’s lead.
Albion fans were cheered by the reappearance of Danny Welbeck who replaced Adam Lallana.
Yves Bissouma was again covering every blade of grass, but Albion were just not firing. Every half chance for Maupay and Trossard was well fielded by Pickford.
Taylor Richards made his Premier League debut with around 20 minutes left and Richarlison had a VAR check for a penalty appeal which was turned down.
Albion’s afternoon was summed up in added time when they were three against two Everton defenders, but Trossard’s through-ball trickled past a wrong-footed Maupay.
Albion drop to 7th for now but at least Gary Lineker introduced Match of the Day as featuring the top four at the time which included Albion.
The Seagulls are due back in action next at Brentford on Saturday 11 September.
