Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall admitted it was a “rollercoaster” afternoon at the Gtech Community Stadium but insisted Everton’s stoppage-time equaliser could prove pivotal in what promises to be a dramatic final stretch of the season.
The midfielder was the hero in west London, lashing home in the 91st minute to cancel out Igor Thiago’s second goal and secure a 2-2 draw – the second time Everton had come from behind on the day.
“It was a bit of a rollercoaster game,” he said to evertonfc.com. “We knew it would be a tough game. They have strengths that they play to well. Maybe a draw is a fair result. The fact we came from behind twice shows the mentality of the lads – we never give up, ever.”
‘I should’ve scored 20 minutes before’
Dewsbury-Hall was candid about his own afternoon, admitting he should have broken the deadlock earlier before finally getting his moment deep into stoppage time.
“I saw it go over my head from the cross and I thought let me just get in there in case something comes,” he said. “I’m happy I scored because I should’ve scored 20 minutes before, which I was disappointed with.”
‘That could be a massive point’
Despite the mixed feelings, he was clear on what the point means in the context of a congested top-half table, with Everton and Brentford both eyeing European football heading into the final six games.
“Cliche as it is, if you don’t win try not to lose – and we did that,” he said. “Pleasing to react from going behind twice. That could be a massive point at the end of the season.”
‘Heads might have gone down but we’ve come a long way’
Dewsbury-Hall also acknowledged that Everton were caught cold by Jordan Pickford‘s third-minute penalty concession, which handed Brentford the perfect start.
“100 per cent it shocked us – all week we have been practising dealing with their threat,” he said. “We didn’t start on it and they punished us. We managed to get back into it and that shows it didn’t affect us. Heads might have gone down but we’ve come a long way.”
‘That is unbelievable for a team not expected to finish high’
The 26-year-old also reserved praise for Beto, whose first-half header pulled Everton level, while taking a moment to acknowledge the threat posed by Thiago — the man his side simply could not keep quiet on the day.
“Look at Brentford’s striker this season, the amount of goals he’s scored — that is unbelievable for a team that is not expected to finish high,” he said. “His goals are putting them in a position to do well. If our strikers can do that then we know we have a good chance of getting the points.”
With the Merseyside derby now looming next weekend, Dewsbury-Hall was already looking ahead. “A massive game next week,” he said. “Let’s try and get another good result.”