Premier League GW35 - Everton vs Brentford

Everton vs Brentford | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

In a pivotal Premier League match, Everton defeated Brentford 1-0 at Goodison Park to clinch their place in the top division. The Toffees won at home for the third time in a row thanks to a goal from Idrissa Gueye in the second half.

Everton:

With three victories in their last four games, Everton has greatly increased their prospects of staying in the Premier League and widened the space between them and the relegation zone to eight points. With goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees defeated rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby to record their first victory at home against the Reds since October 2010. It was the sweetest victory yet for the team. With three straight victories at home without giving up a goal, Sean Dyche has guided his team into 15th place. He knows that a fourth straight victory at Goodison Park will put them above Brentford. Everton will also be optimistic about their next schedule, which includes matches against Sheffield United and Luton Town.

Brentford:

In addition to having a strong run of form, Brentford has won their last five Premier League games. Before winning consecutive games against Sheffield United and Luton Town to allay worries that the Bees might be forced into a relegation battle, Thomas Frank's team managed three reasonable draws against Manchester United, Brighton, and Aston Villa. The Hatters' 5-1 loss to Brentford was their greatest away win ever, and their pivotal victory moved them ten points clear of the drop zone. They will be seeking retribution after Everton lost the rematch 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium, with goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Tarkowski, and Calvert-Lewin. Another victory would guarantee their safety.

Line ups:

EVERTON (4-5-1): Jordan Pickford; Ben Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Ashley Young; Jack Harrison, Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Garner, Dwight McNeil; Youssef Chermiti.

EVERTON SUBS: Michael Keane, Amadou Onana, Arnaut Danjuma, Joao Virginia, Andre Gomes, Andy Lonergan, Lewis Warrington, Mackenzie Hunt, Jenson Metcalfe.

BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Mark Flekken; Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, Sergio Reguilon; Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt; Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa.

BRENTFORD SUBS: Kevin Schade, Zanka, Saman Ghoddos, Frank Onyeka, Keane Lewis-Potter, Mikkel Damsgaard, Mads Roerslev, Hakon Valdimarsson, Yehor Yarmoliuk.

Goodison Park Stadium | Picture Credits - Football Ground Guide

A goalless first half as both the teams did not score a goal | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

First Half: Wastefulness and Near Misses
Even without players like Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton got off to a strong start as Youssef Chermiti was unable to convert a great cross from Dwight McNeil. Brentford had opportunities as well; Jarrad Branthwaite's vital block stopped Mathias Jensen from scoring. The greatest chance for Everton fell to Abdoulaye Doucoure, who missed the mark with his effort shortly before halftime.

Second Half: Gueye's Decisive Strike
With a one-on-one opportunity, Brentford created a solid start to the second half when Jordan Pickford denied Ivan Toney. Nevertheless, Everton broke the tie around the hour mark. Gueye took advantage of a mistake made by the opposition defence to shoot into the top corner, giving Everton the lead on their first attempt on goal.

Everton's standout player was Idrissa Gueye, who scored the game-winning goal that guaranteed them a spot in the Premier League the next season. Jordan Pickford was also essential, stopping Brentford's assaults and maintaining a clean sheet with crucial saves. Notable was Jarrad Branthwaite's defensive play, which included an important block in the first half.

With their 1-0 victory over Brentford, Everton guaranteed their spot in the Premier League for the following campaign. Against a strong opposition that had their chances, Gueye's goal turned out to be the game-winning goal. The victory completes Everton's incredible comeback under manager Sean Dyche, who has led the team to three straight home victories and guaranteed their place in the top division for another season.

Gueye scored a goal and broke the deadlock for Everton which gave them a lead of 1-0 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website