Will Simpson, writing with ISNTV
Brighton’s home woes continued as they faltered 1-0 to Everton following to a contentious Iliman Ndiaye first-half penalty.
The Toffees grinded out the result to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season, on David Moyes’ 700th Premier League game.
Seagulls defender Joel Veltman was pressured by Beto to put the ball out for a corner, but VAR intervened to give a penalty for handball, which Ndiaye converted.
The Premier League Match Centre on X deemed Veltman’s handball during his fall a “deliberate action,” and whilst the ball struck his hand, it is hard to believe the Dutchman did so intentionally.
After a cagey first-half, Brighton dominated the second 45 minutes. However, Everton’s defensive strategy suffocated the hosts, who were restricted to just one shot-on-target the entire game.
Substitute Georginio Rutter had Brighton’s best chance midway into the second-half, but the Frenchman flashed his effort narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
The Seagulls have now failed to win at the Amex in five consecutive league games, and their toothlessness when faced with low blocks is a cause for concern for Fabian Hurzeler.
Moyes’ 700th game reflected his managerial experience, and aided Everton’s pursuit of survival.