Match Report: Brentford 1-1 Everton
Excellent Anthony Gordon strike cancelled out by late Brentford equalizer as Everton earn their second result of the new campaign.
Everton were back in action on Saturday following a 0-1 victory on the road against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup that saw a first half goal from Demari Gray make the difference as the toffees advanced to the next round. Setting their sights back on the league, Everton travelled to Brentford for the fourth league match of the season, reverting back to the 5-2-3 formation that Frank Lampard has favored early on without a striker. New signing Neal Maupay was unveiled yesterday as the blues added much needed striking help up top, but the former Brighton man was not available for selection.
Everton started the game on the front foot as they looked to jump out to an early lead, with Iwobi registering the first shot on target with a curling effort from outside the box. His effort was well hit but not enough to beat Raya in the Brentford goal. Brentford would strike the post in the 18th minute as Jensen rattled the woodwork from long distance nearly putting the hosts ahead.
Six minutes later as it seemed the visitors were being pushed back, Anthony Gordon latched onto an inch-perfect long ball from Conor Coady; He took his touch well and fired a brilliant low strike into the bottom corner to put the toffees ahead 0-1.
The 34th minute would see Brentford spoil another chance, as Rico Henry lofted a ball in for Ivan Toney who got up well but could only send his effort crashing off the woodwork. Wissa would see a golden opportunity on the rebound, but somehow managed to send his effort from five yards out sailing over the bar. Despite a number of Brentford chances, Everton would be thanking the frame of the goal as they went into the half with a lead at 0-1.
The 53rd minute would see Brentford unbelievably hit the woodwork a third time, as a long throw from Jensen found Norgaard who hit a thunderous overhead volley that shook the crossbar but fell into the grateful hands of Jordan Pickford.
Unfortunately for Everton injury woes would strike again as Mason Holgate went down following a corner and was replaced by Michael Keane. In the 78th minute Frank Lampard would make his second change, as the excellent Amadou Onana was replaced by Tom Davies.
The 84th minute would see Brentford find their breakthrough, a corner was swung in and met by Janelt who only had to tap in to level the scoreline at 1-1. It was poor defending from Everton as four blue shirts left the goalscorer unmarked at the back post, an unfortunate goal to concede late on in the match.
Two minutes after the goal Lampard would make his final two changes as Salomon Rondon and Ruben Vinagre replaced Vitali Mykolenko and Dwight McNeil. Despite being under immense pressure after the goal, Everton would survive the onslaught to secure their second result of the season in an action packed 1-1 draw on the road.
It was another match where Alex Iwobi showed his importance to this Everton side, industrious and positive from midfield despite a couple of errors along the way. Gordon was lively once again and finally got a well deserved goal with a sublime finish off an audacious assist from Conor Coady. New man Amadou Onana looks to be getting more comfortable in his role at the center of the park for Everton as well, and should play a big part in the success of the blues this campaign.
Everton are back in action on Tuesday as they travel to Elland Road for a matchup against Leeds United.
UTFT!
About The Author
Leave a Reply