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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.