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Premier League: Wayne Rooney penalty saves Everton’s blushes at Brighton

The struggling Toffees seem to be unable to win these days!

Premier League: Wayne Rooney penalty saves Everton’s blushes at Brighton

Everton striker Wayne Rooney (Photo: AFP)

Wayne Rooney struck a 90th-minute penalty to ensure Everton avoided an embarrassing defeat at Premier League newcomers Brighton and Hove Albion, with the full-time result reading 1-1 to give Toffees manager Ronald Koeman a stay of execution.

Despite the club board publicly backing Koeman in recent weeks, one felt that a loss to the newcomers on Sunday would have ended the Dutchman’s reign.

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Everton FC, Premier League, Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman’s Everton continue to struggle in the Premier League!

 

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And after Anthony Knockaert bundled home the opener in the 82nd minute, things looked grim for Everton, but a moment of madness from the Brighton defender Bruno gave the visitors a chance to share the spoils.

Bruno, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Premier League
Bruno took out Calvert-Lewin to gift the visitors a penalty! (Photo: AFP)

 

The Spaniard took out Everton winger Dominic Calvert-Lewin with an elbow inside the box and referee Michael Oliver promptly pointed to the spot.

Everton icon Rooney stepped up and sent Mathew Ryan the wrong way to prevent the Toffees from falling to another loss of what has been a disappointing season.

Brighton had some chances on either side of the interval but were unable score, thanks to an inspired Jordan Pickford and some dogged Everton defence.

Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Premier League, Pascal Gross
Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross was crestfallen after the full-time whistle (Photo: AFP)

 

Koeman’s men, despite edging the possession battle, looked laborious in attack and barring an early effort from Idrissa Gueye, never truly troubled Matthew Ryan in the first-half.

The visitors improved after the interval and fullback Mason Holgate stung the Brighton custodian’s palms with a fierce drive after cutting in from the right but apart from that, Everton were pedestrian going forward.

Mason Holgate, Anthony Knockaert, Everton FC, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Premier League, Brighton vs Everton
Brighton manAnthony Knockaert (L) had a stand-off with Everton defender Mason Holgate (Photo: AFP)

 

And when Brighton scored after Morgan Schneiderlin was caught in possession by Pascal Gross inside his own box, a fifth loss in eight Premier League games looked likely.

 

Anthony Knockaert, Brighton and Hove Albion FC, Premier League, Brighton vs Everton
Brighton midfielder Anthony Knockaert celebrated what the home fans thought would be the winner! (Photo: AFP)

Rooney’s strike ensured they didn’t lose, but a draw saw them remain in 16th place and with a home tie against Arsenal looming large on the horizon, Koeman could be gone by this time next week.

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