Everton 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Everton 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday, 24 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Everton secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at home, a result that might surprise some given Brighton's recent form. The Toffees, who had won three out of their last four matches, continued their strong run with goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner. Ndiaye opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, while Garner added the second in the 52nd, showcasing Everton's ability to capitalise on their opportunities. This win extends Everton's positive momentum and solidifies their position in the league standings.

Brighton, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm after a draw against Fulham in their previous match. Despite having more possession, they failed to convert their chances, with Danny Welbeck missing a crucial penalty in the 77th minute. The loss marks a disappointing start to the season for Brighton, who now find themselves at the lower end of the table. Everton's disciplined performance and clinical finishing were the key factors in this match, highlighting their potential to challenge higher up the league.

The statistics from the match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion reveal a game where possession did not translate into goals. Brighton enjoyed 58% of the ball, yet it was Everton who emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Both teams had an equal number of corners at two each, indicating a relatively even contest in terms of set-piece opportunities. However, Everton's higher number of assists (2 compared to Brighton's 0) underscores their efficiency in front of goal, which was a decisive factor in the outcome of the match.

The yellow card count was close, with Everton receiving four and Brighton three, suggesting a competitive but not overly aggressive game. Brighton's missed penalty by Danny Welbeck in the 77th minute stands out as a significant moment that could have changed the game's complexion. Despite having a higher successful dribble percentage, Brighton's inability to convert possession into goals was the most surprising aspect of the match statistics.

The match's pivotal moments came early and decisively in Everton's favor. Iliman Ndiaye's goal in the 23rd minute set the tone for the game, giving Everton a lead they would not relinquish. This early strike was followed by James Garner's goal in the 52nd minute, which doubled the lead and effectively sealed the victory. Both goals were crucial in maintaining Everton's control over the match and stifling any potential comeback from Brighton.

Brighton's missed penalty by Danny Welbeck in the 77th minute was a turning point that could have shifted the momentum. Had the penalty been converted, it might have put pressure on Everton and changed the game's dynamics. Additionally, the yellow cards handed out to both teams, including one to Garner in the 63rd minute, added tension but did not alter the outcome. The substitutions made by both teams in the second half did not significantly impact the result, as Everton comfortably saw out the game.

Everton lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jordan Pickford in goal and a backline of Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and James Garner. The midfield was anchored by Tim Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gueye, with Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Jack Grealish supporting striker Thierno Barry. The lineup showed no major surprises, with the team sticking to a familiar setup that has been effective in recent matches.

The impact of substitutions was minimal, with Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal, Carlos Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil, and Harrison Armstrong coming on in the second half. However, the standout performances came from the starting lineup, particularly from goal scorers Ndiaye and Garner. Their contributions were crucial in securing the victory, and their presence in the lineup was a key factor in Everton's success.

Brighton & Hove Albion opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bart Verbruggen in goal and a defense consisting of Mats Wieffer, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, and Maxim De Cuyper. The midfield was controlled by Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari, with Yankuba Minteh, Matt O'Riley, and Kaoru Mitoma supporting striker Danny Welbeck. The lineup was typical for Brighton, with no significant surprises in the starting XI.

The substitutions made by Brighton, including Jack Hinshelwood, Ferdi Erenay Kadıoğlu, Diego Alexander Gómez Amarilla, and Brajan Gruda, did not have the desired impact on the game. The missed penalty by Welbeck was a critical moment, and his performance, along with the rest of the team, was unable to turn the tide against a well-organized Everton side. The lineup and formation did not yield the results Brighton hoped for, leaving them with much to ponder moving forward.

James Garner is Coral’s Man of the Match for his standout performance against Brighton & Hove Albion. Garner not only scored a crucial goal in the 52nd minute but also contributed with two key passes throughout the game. His ability to influence the match both defensively and offensively was instrumental in Everton's victory, making him a deserving recipient of the accolade.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Leeds United (A)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Everton (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Fulham (H)

With their league position now at 8 and 3 points on the board, Everton will face Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup on August 27, 2025. This result against Brighton will boost their confidence as they approach the upcoming match.

Brighton find themselves in 18th place with just 1 point after their loss to Everton. Their next fixture is against Oxford United in the EFL Cup on August 27, 2025. This defeat will likely prompt a reassessment of their strategy as they aim to turn their season around and climb out of the relegation zone.

Game Week 3 Premier League 25/26

• Aston Villa V Crystal Palace

• Chelsea V Fulham

• Wolves V Everton

• Tottenham V Bournemouth

• Man United V Burnley

• Sunderland V Brentford

• Leeds United V Newcastle

• Brighton V Man City

• Nottingham Forest V West Ham

• Liverpool V Arsenal

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