Brighton 0-2 Everton: the heroes and villains as Allan runs the show but Richarlison adds needless pressure

Everton’s start to the 2021-22 Premier League season continued in superb fashion with a comprehensive 2-0 win at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Demarai Gray bagged his second goal in as many games in the 41st minute before Dominic Calvert-Lewin helped himself to a third goal of the campaign from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.

The Toffees remain unbeaten this season with Rafa Benitez making an impressive start as manager.

The heroes

- Allan: The midfielder was the architect of both of Everton’s goals with two wonderful passes. The Brazilian’s through ball made Gray’s mind up for him to drive towards goal and fire the visitors in front. Then, in the second half, Allan’s perfectly-weighted pass ensured Seamus Coleman got the wrong side of Joel Veltman to win a penalty.

- Demarai Gray: The winger’s barnstorming start at Everton continues. Gray’s driving foray put Brighton on the back foot, allowing him to apply an angled finish into the far corner. Continued to be a menace in the second period.

- Dominic Calvert-Lewin: Missed a big chance in the first half but showed excellent resolve to sweep home Everton’s second from the penalty spot after Richarlison had clamoured to take the spot-kick.

The villains

- Richarlison: The striker heaped needless pressure on Calvert-Lewin for Everton’s penalty. Richarlison wanted to take the spot-kick and had to be put in his place by captain Coleman before Andros Townsend knocked the ball out of his hand.

- Joel Veltman: Graham Potter introduced the Netherlands international to add more balance to the Seagulls’ defence. Instead, Veltman hauled Coleman to the ground and put paid to Brighton’s chances of getting a result.

- Lucas Digne: The left-back didn’t have a dreadful game but his deliveries from corners were well below par in the first half. He floated two into the arms of Brighton keeper Roberto Sanchez while another evaded everyone at the back post.

Player ratings

Brighton (4-4-1-1): Sanchez 6, Webster 5, Duffy 5, Dunk 5, Moder 5 (Richards 73; 5), Gross 6, Lallana 5 (Welback 59; 5) Bissouma 7, Mac Allister 5 (Veltman 45; 4), Trossard 6, Maupay 6.

Everton (4-4-2): Pickford 7, Coleman 6, Keane 6, Holgate 7, Digne 6, Townsend 7, Allan 8, Doucoure 8, Gray 8 (Gomes 81), Richarlison 6, Calvert-Lewin 7 (Alex Iwobi 70; 7).

What’s next

The international break means that Everton aren’t back in action for another 16 days.

After three successive away games, the Blues will be back at Goodison Park for the visit of Burnley on Monday, September 13.