Analysis: Seagulls pay heavy price for missed chances
- Published
Brighton will look back at this defeat and focus on a first half when they created the opportunities to punish Everton, but let the home side off the hook.
When Iliman Ndiaye put Everton in front after 23 minutes, it came against the run and play and with the first signs of anxiety just starting to show at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Karou Mitoma glanced the bar with a good chance, before Danny Welbeck wasted a chance created by Yankuba Minteh, sending a close-range finish over the top with the goal at his mercy.
James Tarkowski, who had a nightmare first 45 minutes, then played a back-pass straight to Matt O'Riley and had to be rescued by Jordan Pickford's bravery at the feet of the Brighton midfielder.
When Jan Paul Van Hecke hit the post, Brighton must have feared this was not going to be their day, with further proof offered up when the excellent Pickford saved Welbeck's penalty, ensuring Fabian Hurzeler's side went home empty-handed.