A smash-and-grab raid courtesy of a beautiful strike from Jarrad Branthwaite, after – naturally – a set piece: this was Dyche-ball in action. Its architect, Sean Dyche, seemed set to celebrate another win over Roberto De Zerbi, the artful dodger defeating the aesthete. Everton’s muscle had caused Brighton to lose their discipline, Billy Gilmour sent off for a studs-up tackle on André Onana. Yet Lewis Dunk, after skill and composure from the ever-dependable Pascal Gross, nodded in an equaliser to leave Everton continuing to look over their shoulders at a relegation battle they may or may not be involved in.
Everton expect an update by the end of the month on their appeal against a 10-point penalty. Their players must perform in a purgatorial state of being relegation candidates. Recent form had suggested they were feeling the pressure of that situation, and it eventually told at Brighton, too.