Blues come back twice to claim a point and keep Europe in sight

Blues come back twice to claim a point and keep Europe in sight Brentford 2 - 2 Everton Everton were back in action after a 3-week break and were still half-asleep as they went behind to an early penalty for Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A good contest ensued wth Everton pulling goals back through Beto and then Dewsbury-Hall in added time, with both teams still level on points in the chase for Champions League places. Grealish and Alacaraz are the only expected absentees, Branthwaite replacing Keane, with Armstrong and Aznou missing out.

First Half Pickford was called into action early as Schade came around Pickford, who fouled him... Foul, yellow card and penalty in the first minute! Thiago drove the spot-kick home to give Brentford an early lead.

The Blues were totally shell-shocked and had no immediate answer to this huge setback. But Everton finally got forward, Ndiaye benefiting from a turnover and Beto‘s shot deflected behind. The corner from McNeil was cleared.

Everton’s play continued to be scrappy, Gana giving the ball away, and the Blues were reticent to press too hard in recovery. Dewsbury-Hall drove forward through the middle with McNeil, but Beto was well marshalled and could only push his marker for a foul. Branthwaite then stepped forward, Brentford backing off, and from nothing he lashed a shot just wide.