Everton defeated Brighton in a controversial match, marking David Moyes’ 700th Premier League game. The win lifts Everton further from the relegation zone.
David Moyes marked his 700th Premier League game with a victory as Everton defeated Brighton, continuing a positive run since his return. The match saw a controversial penalty decision go in favor of Everton, with Iliman Ndiaye converting the spot-kick. This win moves Everton seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The game was a contrast of experience against youth, with Moyes, aged 61, facing off against Brighton’s 30-year-old manager, Fabian Hürzeler. Despite Brighton improving in the second half, they couldn’t overcome Everton’s organized defense. A key moment came when Brighton’s Joël Veltman handled the ball in the penalty area, a decision confirmed after a VAR review.
Everton’s victory was not without setbacks, as they lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Orel Mangala to injuries. However, the traveling fans were in high spirits, celebrating their team’s performance and their manager’s milestone. Moyes acknowledged the significance of reaching 700 games, placing him among the elite of Premier League managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger.
Brighton, who had not played at home for three weeks, struggled to convert their possession into clear opportunities. They had dominated the ball with 69% possession, but were only able to manage one shot on target. Everton’s solid defense frustrated Brighton’s attack. The game’s intensity was evident with a late scuffle between players. Everton, who had struggled away from home, celebrated only their second top-flight away victory in 22 games, with their last victory coming in December 2023.
The penalty incident was the major talking point of the first half. Veltman claimed he was pushed before the handball, but the referee’s decision was final. Hürzeler expressed disagreement with the penalty decision, emphasizing his side’s less than optimal performance on the day. However, the VAR review was a clear indication of a handball.
After the break, Brighton showed more intent. Kaoru Mitoma and substitute Georginio Rutter both had chances, but they could not beat Jordan Pickford. Jarrad Branthwaite made a vital block on a shot from Carlos Baleba, and later, Rutter missed a chance after the ball was given away. These events highlighted Everton’s ability to keep Brighton out and maintain their lead.
The win for Everton comes after a challenging period where they had only one win in 21 away games. They had faced an uphill battle prior to Moyes’ arrival. Moyes matched his predecessor’s record with two straight wins, after seeing off Tottenham at Goodison Park the previous week. The win, coupled with recent results, has significantly improved their position in the league. James Tarkowski expressed his relief and joy at securing a second win in a row and was ‘nervous’ about the penalty decision.
The game also saw the substitution of Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to a hamstring injury in the first half. He was replaced by Beto, who contributed to the penalty incident. Everton is also looking to send on-loan striker Armando Broja back to Chelsea.
Ultimately, the game was decided by Ndiaye’s calmly converted penalty, securing a crucial three points for Everton and adding a memorable chapter to David Moyes’ managerial career.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jan/25/brighton-everton-premier-league-match-report
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/videos/c0rq7g2pg9vo
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/01/25/watch-everton-player-booked-for-mimicking-seagull/