BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Beto of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton at Amex Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Beto celebrates after scoring Everton's last-gasp equaliser at Brighton & Hove Albion
Everton earned a dramatic last-gasp 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion as substitute Beto slammed home from close range having been denied by Bart Verbruggen seconds earlier. It was no more than the Blues deserved but it initially looked like they’d be left to rue a brace of big second-half chances for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a closely fought contest at the Amex Stadium.
After a first half stalemate, opened up the home defence more often following the break only for Dewsbury-Hall to twice be denied and then at the other end, the one piece of quality from Fabian Hurzeler’s side saw Yasin Ayari pick out Pascal Gross with 12 minutes to go and the German finished calmly into the corner of the goal.
At that point, it looked like David Moyes’ men had been undone, but they fought back strongly to earn a share of a spoils.
And here's how we rated the players...
Jordan Pickford 7
There was nothing he could do about Pascal Gross’ well-struck finish having dealt with everything that had previously come his way, including a close-range back heeled effort from Danny Welbeck and then was twice unnecessarily buffeted by Jan Paul van Hecke for his troubles.
Jake O’Brien 7
Restored to right-back, he had his hands full against the tricky Kaoru Mitoma but has still managed to get forwards on occasions and was a threat with his throw-ins, but having been the man unable to pick up Gross for his goal, he then played a crucial part in the equaliser, with his low drive causing chaos in the Brighton area.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
Booked for sending Yasin Ayari flying with a slide tackle, he used his height to win some crucial aerial battles with Ferdi Kadioglu and helped the team by playing left-back with Vitalii Mykolenko injured, even if it’s not the most effective deployment of his skills.
James Tarkowski 7
Had a headed effort hacked clear in a goalmouth scramble and marshalled his defensive line of four centre-backs well, doing just enough to put off Mitoma for the Japan international’s big chance when he flashed a shot across goal but was unable to cut out Yasin Ayari’s delivery that picked out Gross for his goal.
Michael Keane 7
Had a last-minute chance but shot straight at Bart Verbruggen having been forced into a crucial interception in the opening seconds on his return from suspension to deny Danny Welbeck, he was kept busy but stuck to the task.
Idrissa Gueye 6
Tried to combine being a shield in front of defence with a more forward-thinking midfield role, he had a crossing chance similar to his assist against Leeds but couldn’t find the accuracy this time.
James Garner 7
Played his part in a grand finale by picking his spot for the cross that led to the equaliser, he’s still getting to grips with not being the senior partner in the engine room now Gueye is back alongside him but showed his quality when it mattered.
Harrison Armstrong 7
Started his fifth game in a row, the 19-year-old showed his tactical versatility by operating on the right of midfield and is adapted well to the new role, displaying some clever touches.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 7
Had two big chances to fire Everton in front in the second half, drilling a low shot across the fae of goal and then having an effort saved by Bart Verbruggen’s foot, he had to get himself back up to speed quickly in a contest played at a frantic pace but grew into the game.
Iliman Ndiaye 6
Was unable to open up Brighton’s defence in a frustrating showing and an incident which resulted in his boot coming off when having to defend summed up how, despite all his energy, things didn’t go his way.
Thierno Barry 6
Four goals in his previous five starts but no real clearcut chances fell his way here and instead he picked out Dewsbury-Hall for his inviting opening.
SUBS
Charly Alcaraz (on 80 for Dewsbury-Hall) 7
Started the move for Everton’s equaliser with a measured pass from deep out to Garner.
Tim Iroegbunam (on 80 for Gueye) 6
Booked in stoppage time for pulling back goalscorer Gross.
Tyler Dibling (on 80 for Armstrong) 6
Late run-out, keeping Brighton on the back foot.
Nathan Patterson (on 89 for Branthwaite) 7
Played his part in the stoppage time push.
Beto (on 89 for Barry) 8
Johnny on the spot to score Everton’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser at the second time of asking having been denied seconds earlier.