There’s a strong argument to be made that Everton should be heading into this little mini-break in their season toasting three successive wins and 13th place in the Premier League rather than looking back rather frustratedly at two successive draws.

Even without the VAR controversy at the end of Saturday’s 2–2 tie with Manchester United, David Moyes will feel that his team should have beaten his old club on account of having led 2–0. And this evening, had the Beto that turned his Goodison career around with five goals in four games showed up rather than the one that had Evertonians questioning whether the gangly forward was even Premier League quality at all, the Toffees would be travelling back to Merseyside with all three points.

Three times Beto found himself eyeball-to-eyeball with Mark Flekken and three times the Brentford goalkeeper foiled him in the kind of situations from which the Portuguese has been deadly since Moyes took over from Sean Dyche last month. His two chances late in the first half could have buried a Bees side that hasn’t won at home since mid-December; as it was, horrendous defending at the other end meant that Everton had to claw their way back to parity in the second half.

And yet, Beto could have won it for the tired but willing visitors but he was denied one final time by Flekken. It was a hugely frustrating night in West London but one that finished with Everton’s unbeaten run extended to seven matches ahead of a much-needed warm-weather hiatus in the Middle East.

No one of a Blue persuasion needs convincing of the paucity of options at the manager’s disposal at the moment but it was underscored before kick-off with the release of a team sheet that was down one more regular starter. Abdoulaye Doucouré had been given family leave as his wife expects the birth of their baby so Alcaraz started for the second successive away game, having got the nod against Crystal Palace 10 days ago with Doucouré suspended.

Youssef Chermiti and Nathan Patterson made welcome returns to the substitutes’ bench but were unused and, in the end, it was members of the starting XI who fashioned the 77th-minute equaliser, scored emphatically by Jake O’Brien, and then the chance that probably should have delivered victory two minutes from the end of the regulation 90.

Despite their recent lack of success on home soil, Brentford are always difficult opposition and they demonstrated that during a first half that ebbed in favour of both sides at various times, with the hosts having the better of the early exchanges and Everton finishing strongly until their defence dropped a clanger in stoppage time.

The teams traded speculative efforts from distance in the first 10 minutes, Keane Lewis-Potter bouncing an effort a few inches past Jordan Pickford’s post and James Garner doing considerably worse with an awful shot from similar range at the opposite end, and it wasn’t until the 18th minute that either keeper was forced to make save.

Brentford were doing well to evade the Blues’ press when they had the ball, collapsing the space around their opposition when they didn’t, and working it into dangerous areas with crisp passing at times. Kevin Schade’s deliveries had been repelled by Everton’s back line but Yoane Wissa popped up unmarked at the back post in the 18th minute and, thankfully, his header was comfortably saved while, a minute later, Kristoff Ajer planted one of his own past the post.

Everton’s best work was done on the counter-attack and they just lacked clinical end-product to make them tell. Alcaraz fed Jesper Lindstrøm in the 25th minute but his pass forced the Dane wide and the final cross towards the Argentine was slightly overhit.

Three minutes after that, Lindstrøm picked Beto out with a chipped ball from the right but, leaning back, the striker could only hook it over the bar. When the winger’s run took him into the box shortly afterwards, O’Brien opted not to shoot first-time and, instead, tried a back heel to set up Alcaraz but a defender nipped in to smuggle it away.

What followed were five minutes that Beto would largely wish to forget if they didn’t offer valuable experience to take with him forward. First, O’Brien’s cushioned header looked to have dropped invitingly for the Portuguese to take a poke at from close range but he hesitated and Ethan Pinnock blocked him off. Then, Beto was put clean through as Pinnock lost his footing as the last man, leaving the forward one-on-one with Flekken but his touch in trying to take it around him was clumsy and the keeper got enough on it to block it away.

Finally, after Alcaraz had nodded the ball over the halfway line to send Beto away again, the striker got a little too much lift on his shot and it enabled Flekken to divert it behind.

Beto’s misery was almost complete when his sloppy pass gifted Brentford possession in his own half and Pickford was called into action to make a parrying save to his left but only a minute later it was 1-0 to the hosts. Beto mis-judged Schade’s deep throw-in, James Tarkowski failed to connect with it either and Brian Mbeumo thought he’d converted the bounce but it crashed off the crossbar. Wissa reacted first amidst a clutch of statuesque Everton defenders, rising high to nod it over the line.

It was an enormously frustrating way to end a half that Everton had clearly “won” on chances created but, to their credit, they battled fatigue and fought their way back into the contest in the second period, one that began with Jack Harrison’s wicked corner being cleared off the line as it bobbled off Flekken.

Garner despatched a 52nd-minute volley into the stands while a succession of crosses from the left flank from Harrison and Vitalii Mykolenko ended disappointingly in the goalkeeper’s arms. But Alcaraz came very close to notching his second goal for the club with a Richarlison-esque snapshot from the edge of the box that flew a foot or so past the upright.

The former Southampton man then teed Harrison up for a shot from the angle but Ajer got across to block it, while a rare foray forward from Brentford saw Wissa put the ball in the net for a second time after Mikkel Damsgaard’s excellent reverse pass had played Lewis-Potter in behind the defence but the “goal” was ruled out for offside.

Moyes made his first changes with 15 minutes left and within two more, the Toffees were level. Another patient move had seen Harrison and Mykolenko exchange passes on the left before the Ukrainian swept a teasing ball towards the back post where O’Brien stooped to power a beautiful header back across Flekken and into the other side of the net. It was a fine finish, his first goal for the club and no more than he deserved.

That sparked an open contest as both teams tried to grab the points but it was Everton who created the chances to do so, first on another counter-attack where Harrison slipped the ball inside to Alcaraz but he could only guide his shot straight at the keeper.

Alcaraz despatched another more awkward opportunity over in injury time but, in between, Beto had been presented with a gilt-edged chance to hand Everton all the spoils. Once more he found himself bearing down on Flekken after Alcaraz had sent him galloping through and past Pinnock's despairing tackle. No doubt desperate to atone for his earlier misses, he went for glory himself with Alcaraz racing in behind two red-and-white shirts to his right, attempting to curl it around the keeper but being denied by an out-stretched arm. Moyes was incredulous; Beto equally so. Alcaraz was livid but replays showed the pass to him wasn't as obvious as he might have thought.

The frustration felt at another drawn match that Everton could easily have won is a reminder of how far this team has come in such a short space of time. The team under Dyche was often barely in contests and clinging to a draw given their overly-defensive posture but now they're routinely leaving the field annoyed not to have won. 

In tacking on another point to their tally after 27 games, the Blues remain one of the form sides in the division and are just eight points shy of Moyes’s target of 40. Safety is effectively guaranteed and every game and performance now is a chance for the manager to assess what he inherited from his predecessor and formulate a plan for the summer’s recruitment.

For the players, the chance to recharge batteries and allow some of the returning players to build up their fitness ahead of the trip to Wolves will be a welcome one. They have been to the well a number of times in recent weeks the comfort of mid-table safety is their reward for now.


Reader Responses

Selected thoughts from readers
Certain off-topic comments may be removed to keep the discussion on track

1  Neil Cremin
27/02/2025    00:10:54

Lyndon

I’m not convinced that pass to Alcaraz was on.

2  Ed prytherch
27/02/2025    00:26:35

The quality of our football has improved so much that we can be optimistic even when we drop points. It has been a while since it was last like this. Beto's luck will improve. His misses were disappointing but if he and the team keep creating them, then he will bag a few more before the end of the season.

3  John Raftery
27/02/2025    00:39:33

Neil (1) Neither was I. From the back row of the away section it seemed to me a shot at goal was the better option. There were defenders running back to cover a squared ball. I shall watch the recording with interest.

4  Lyndon Lloyd
27/02/2025    00:53:56

Agreed, Neil and John now that I've been able to watch the replay back properly. It felt like an obvious pass at the time but, you're right, it wasn't on unless he checked inside, at which point the two covering defenders would have been in his way.

I've amended the report to be more charitable to Beto.

5  Andy McNabb
27/02/2025    01:03:51

Agreed it is something to be enjoyed that we are disappointed to come away with only a point.

Lyndon, I do feel sorry for those back at Toffeeweb charged with filling the void you have left. Rather than regaling them for being substandard, I will compliment you on your ability as a wordsmith.

Sitting here in Melbourne, your report is the closest I will get to ‘being there’.

6  Danny ONeill
27/02/2025    01:12:18

Not long back. For the neutrals, that was a really good match to watch.

There is a difference in the players. At 1-0 down, even though we could and should have been in the lead, they didn't give in.

A bit sloppy at times in giving away possession and putting crosses in that were easy pickings for their keeper, but in the main a good performance and well earned point.

I thought Alcaraz had scored a beauty and was almost jumping from my seat. Close but not to be.

We still can't say we are mathematically safe, but it would take a strange turn of events for us not to be.

7  Neil Cremin
27/02/2025    07:48:31

No problem Lyndon, I was only making an observation and not a criticism. It was more in disappointment that we didnt get the win. With 3 One on Ones Beto should have converted at least one. What impressed me in previous games are his incredible speed off the mark which gives us a huge options when we are defending against a high defensive line and before tonight is clinical finishing. He was at least 10m behind the Brentford defender for the third chance.

8  Mike Gaynes
27/02/2025    08:46:47

A great report as always, Lyndon, but a bit harsh on Beto in my view. He really only bollixed the first chance, where he made the wrong decision after regaining his feet. The second shot was well struck and saved only by luck, and the third was an elegant chip that was headed for a top corner finish. Flekken's save was brilliant, a worthy gamesaver.

It's also worth noting that we haven't had a striker in years who could even generate chances like this. Not since Lukaku have we had someone upfront with the pace and timing to split central defenders with regularity. Beto will never be a great finisher, but I submit he's significantly superior to the guy he replaced. (The one who is playing out his contract.)

9  Eugene Stalker
27/02/2025    09:03:02

That is good point Mike #8. I can't remember the last time I saw an Everton striker splitting the defence and bearing down on goal 3 times in a game (yes THREE times!). Lukaku left 8 years ago so it has been a long wait.

10  John Wignall
27/02/2025    09:40:16

Disappointed with a point would not have scored the goal with dyche as manager one full.back crossing and another scoring from the cross another point from safety

11  James Hourigan
27/02/2025    10:33:24

Difficult to know if we should be angry at dropping 2 points or happy the undefeated run continues. For my two penneth I think Beto has had a great little run but last night perhaps his true ability shone through. His first touch is poor, his ability to hold a ball up with his back to goal is equally as poor, he is absolutely whole hearted and is a willing runner. He is most effective when running on to through balls, but beyond that I do not see a premiership footballer who will carry us forward. A great trier but not a quality striker.

12  Paul Johnson
27/02/2025    10:49:35

I thought Beto was a tad unlucky last night, he made a mess of the first chance with a poor second touch but the other 2 were good efforts foiled by a combination of good goalkeeping and luck on the part of the keeper. He's a strong physical footballer and surprisingly pretty fast hence credit to him for making the opportunity and asking questions of the keeper. I wasn't down at all about dropping 2 points yesterday, it's night and day from Dycheball and great to be able to watch a game knowing we will give it 100% despite the injuries we have.

13  Liam Mogan
27/02/2025    11:11:41

I thought Beto was unlucky not to get one last night and am confident if he plays all 11 games, he will pick up about 4/5 more goals at least.

It was notable that in the 2nd half Brentford played much deeper to nullify his threat in behind. That allowed us to gain territory and play in their half.

Under Moyes we actually try to move the ball, create space and trust the players. This led to numerous excellent crossing positions, which were wasted until the goal.

After we scored Brentford pushed up again and Beto got the final chance (which he did brilliant to latch onto). Against teams who play a high line and with players now attempting to create, he'll get chances.

It's fascinating watching Everton atm. After the tactical turpitude of recent years the change is fundamental. There's a coaching team who have a plan based on the players available, are willing to tweak and amend things and actual evidence (O'brien, Beto, Lindstrom) of proactive 1-2-1 coaching.

Coaching to try and improve things? Now there's a novel idea!

14  Benjamin Dyke
27/02/2025    14:42:03

Thanks Lyndon for your top class reports. You're a fan but your reports are as good as if not better than those of the best football journalists.

The fact Beto is getting those chances is a step forward even if he was unlucky/not good enough on the night to convert at least one.

Equally as important as making chances is our general play. Night and day compared to what we've mostly seen for s good few years.

The players actually look competent football players!

15  Ian Burns
27/02/2025    15:04:24

A Lyndon Lloyd report with an afternoon cuppa (too early for a glass of …) what else could you ask for.

Moyes giving credit to Beto for getting into positions in order to get those chances is man management at its best - and one with which I completely agree. We need to exercise the purchase option on Charly at the end of the season; retain Pickford, Branthwaite, O’Brien and Garner as well as Ndaiye and we have the basis to start the long climb back to the higher echelons of the PL. Thank you Mr Moyes.

16  Gerry Quinn
27/02/2025    16:14:37

Moyes was NOT impressed with Harrison then - could be his last game for us with those stats

https://www.goodisonnews.com/2025/02/27/moyes-could-axe-harrison-from-everton-role-as-touchline-footage-emerges/

17  Larry B
27/02/2025    16:26:59

Considering we have, basically, only 11 fit players, with some of them running on empty, Mr Moyes is doing a miraculous coaching job.

Ashley Young is our go to sub seemingly for every eventuality, but so far has worked well. It allows O,Brien to move into a more attacking role as last night showed.

The nucleus of the team is strong, Pickford, Branthwaite, Ndiaye, Tarkowski, Alcaraz, Garner, Gueye, but we need productive wingers and full backs to progress. These players are out there and will not cost a fortune with proper scouting.

I am not a fan of Mr Moyes he became too pragmatic for me in his later years, but he seems to have blossomed and learned from his experience, it will be interesting next season with 25 fit players, to see where he can take the club.

18  Neil Cremin
27/02/2025    18:15:51

James
Our non Premiership footballer has scored how many goals since he was first choice striker. And how does his stats compare to other Premiership strikers over same period. I’ll let our statisticians provide those answers but I’m sure Beto will come out well.
Because he failed to score last night doesn’t mean we should start Beto Bashing.

19  Nick Ho
28/02/2025    00:20:38

Just some thought.
Beto only got his meaningful playtime in recent matches. Yes, he "should have" scored...it was just obr of those days you can't score and Brentford keeper at his best.
Some very quick to draw conclusion he is nof good enough to play for us and in Premier league, mind blogging at best...

20  James Hourigan
28/02/2025    10:28:32

With respect, I am not slagging Beto off because of one nights performance and his missed chances, my criticism is of his general ability at holding balls up, playing with his back to goal, his heading and his all round ability to bring other players into the game. Yes, he's not a Harland but IMO neither is he good enough to lead the line as we go forward, a view based not on last nights performance but on watching him since he arrived at the club. He has his strengths, his willingness to keep trying, his effort and his determination and his ability to run the channels. Finally watch him next match in the penalty area, he reacts - he does not anticipate - and genuinely good strikers are always anticipating where the ball might go. He's the best we've got currently but we should not be basing any future plans around his attacking prowess.

21  Howard Poole
28/02/2025    12:13:18

I have been a silent devotee of 'Toffeeweb' for perhaps fifteen years but my respect for the work of Lyndon & Michael is such that I have now registered with 'Evertonia'.
My very best wishes to both fan sites; they can be complementary & deserve support and success.
Devotion to the cause through the (rare) good and (frequent) bad times is laudable.

22  David Abrahams
03/03/2025    12:19:14

Howard (21) Yes having two Everton websites to read and follow with great match reviews, which are a boon to overseas and disabled Bluenoses, is a bonus for a lot of Evertonians and Lyndon and Michael are both brilliant match reporters for us to read.

23  Howard Poole
03/03/2025    13:00:49

Thank you for saving me from acute embarrassment David.
I thought I had created an unenviable record by ending a thread with my first contribution to either site.
Lesson to be learnt; be more circumspect.

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