Brentford 1 – 1 Everton
For the second consecutive time in the Premier League, the result leaves a bitter taste in the mouth for Everton. After allowing Manchester United to level the score despite being two goals ahead last weekend, the Toffees were guilty of squandering golden opportunities against Brentford tonight.
In-form striker Beto had a woeful day in the office. He failed to get the better of Mark Flekken in goal despite finding himself in three clear-cut chances. It was on the back of his two missed opportunities in the first half that the hosts scored against the run of play after Yoane Wissa rose high after Bryan Mbuemo hit the woodwork.
Charly Alcaraz came close to equalising in the second half but it was Jake O’Brien who met Vitaliy Mykolenko’s cross to head home his first Premier League goal for the club. Beto could’ve clinched the three points at the death but was once again denied by Flekken.
Everton, now unbeaten in the last seven league matches, move 15 points clear of the drop zone thanks to the point secured here. The disappointment of the misses put aside, the lads can be proud of the way they bounced back to secure the point against a well-oiled team away from home. Time to rest up before the next league assignment!
Here are the player ratings from the 1-1 draw at Brentford:
Jordan Pickford – 7
There wasn’t a whole lot that Jordan Pickford could’ve done to prevent the Brentford goal from a long throw-in. The defending left him exposed and having committed to Mbuemo’s effort, he wasn’t able to react to Wissa’s follow-up header. Made himself big in the closing stages of the game.
Jake O’Brien – 8
Scored his first league goal for the club with a strong diving header at the far post. Played an overall tidy game on his 100th Premier League appearance but was a bit slow to react to Wissa’s run to meet the ball for the opener.
James Tarkowski – 7
The Everton captain, booed by the home crowd throughout the night, shut out anything that came in his vicinity. Was aerially dominant for most of Brentford’s long balls and won all of his aerial duels and also made five headed clearances.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7
Everton had a lot of defending to do in this game and not only did Branthwaite have another spotless game, he was also instrumental in building from the back. Had a 100% passing accuracy in the game and didn’t get dribbled past by an opposition player even once.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 8
Made a lot of forward runs and whipped in the wonderful ball across the box that led to the equaliser. Showed a positive attitude on the left flank but crosses still need to be worked upon.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 6
Had a decent game, especially while making recoveries and retrieving possession. Lacked a bit of composure when on the ball. Was taken off in the 75th minute.
James Garner – 6
Kept busy throughout the game but like his engine room partner, lacked composure while chasing the game. Made a couple of wild lashings at goal.
Jesper Lindstrom – 5
Provided an energetic outlet on the right flank for the Toffees but that’s all there could be said about him. Lacked the skill and application to take on or pin his fullback. Subbed off in the 75th minute.
Carlos Alcaraz – 8
Was handed a start in the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure who’s expecting a child with his partner. Showed aggression and industry and generally made things happen on the pitch. Almost played Lindstrom through on goal, fed Beto with a 1v1 off a clean header and was also involved in the buildup for the equaliser. On another night, he could’ve had a goal or an assist here.
Jack Harrison – 6
Saw a lot of movement on his flank especially in the second half but couldn’t make it count. Crossing accuracy was off the mark as most of his balls kept landing in the hands of the opposition keeper.
Beto – 5
Missed three huge chances to score against Brentford. Was played through on goal after Ethan Pinnock slipped but bizarrely tried to go around Mark Flekken in the direction from which the defender was coming and ended up playing it into his hands. Got played through by Alcaraz clear on goal again only to shoot close to the keeper. In the closing stages of the match, had the chance to bury the ball into the back of the net or even square it to Alcaraz but was once again read by Flekken.
Subs
Ashley Young (subbed on for Lindstrom) – 6
Positive display off the bench and tried to push upwards in search of a winner.
Tim Iroegbunam (subbed on for Idrissa Gueye) – 6
Held the ball well but didn’t have the time to impose himself in the game.