Everton rescue a dramatic 2-2 draw at Brentford as Dewsbury-Hall scores late, while Thiago’s historic double keeps Bees in European hunt.
Everton fought back twice to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall struck in stoppage time to earn a crucial point.
The result keeps both sides level on 47 points as the race for European places tightens. Brentford will feel it was a missed opportunity after leading twice.
Brentford made a fast start and were ahead inside three minutes. Kevin Schade burst through before being brought down by Jordan Pickford, earning a penalty. Igor Thiago stepped up and converted with power into the bottom corner. Pickford guessed correctly but could not keep it out.
The early goal gave Brentford confidence and they looked dangerous on the break. Everton needed time to settle but gradually grew into the contest.
Everton began to create chances as the half progressed. Caoimhin Kelleher produced a sharp double save to deny Idrissa Gueye and Beto in quick succession. The pressure eventually paid off in the 26th minute. Gueye delivered a precise cross and Beto glanced a header into the far corner.
Brentford appealed for a foul in the build-up, but the goal stood. The equaliser shifted momentum, with Everton enjoying more control before the break. Both sides still threatened, with Brentford hitting the woodwork through Schade. The game remained open heading into half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams creating chances. Brentford again hit the crossbar, this time through Nathan Collins from a set piece. Everton responded with attacking intent of their own. Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye were both denied by Kelleher, who kept Brentford in the game.
The hosts regained the lead in the 76th minute through Thiago. Michael Kayode drove into the box and his effort deflected off the striker, wrong-footing Pickford. It was Thiago’s 21st league goal of the season, a new club record. Brentford looked set to claim all three points as the clock ticked down.
Thiago was once again central to Brentford’s attacking threat. His movement and finishing proved decisive, even if his second goal came via a deflection. Kelleher also impressed with several key saves that preserved Brentford’s lead for long periods. For Everton, Gueye’s creativity and Beto’s finishing stood out.
Dewsbury-Hall had missed a good chance earlier but showed composure when it mattered most. In the 91st minute, he reacted quickly to a loose ball and fired low into the corner. The late goal capped a resilient display from Everton, who refused to give up. It also ensured the points were shared in a finely balanced contest.
Brentford finished with 2.37 expected goals from 15 shots, with five on target. Everton recorded 1.52 expected goals from 13 attempts, also hitting five on target.
Possession was fairly even, with Brentford holding a slight edge at around 52 percent. Both sides created high-quality chances throughout an open game.
Brentford host Fulham next as they look to stay in the European race. Everton face Liverpool in a crucial Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
