

Everton snatched a 2-0 win over Brighton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Iliman Ndiaye’s 23rd-minute strike proving decisive despite the visitors dominating much of the play. Brighton created a string of chances, starting with Kaoru Mitoma’s effort that clipped the bar, before Danny Welbeck somehow blazed over from close range after good work by Yankuba Minteh. Everton’s James Tarkowski endured a nightmare first half, gifting possession to Matt O’Riley with a poor back-pass, only for Jordan Pickford to dive bravely at the midfielder’s feet.
The Seagulls kept pressing and Jan Paul Van Hecke rattled the post, increasing their frustration. Their golden chance arrived from the spot, but Welbeck’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Pickford, who stood tall as the game’s hero. For all their attacking intent, Fabian Hurzeler’s side left with nothing, while Everton held on for a hard-fought victory.