Everton’s Premier League survival hopes remain in the balance after Brentford twice came from behind to claim all three points against the Toffees, who had two players sent off at Goodison Park.
Leeds’ draw at home to Brighton earlier on Saturday meant victory for Everton would have secured their top-flight status with two games to spare, but the narrow loss leaves Frank Lampard’s team just two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley and one above Jesse Marsch’s side, who have played a game more.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, making his first start since 9 April, got the faintest of touches to Richarlison’s flick to give the hosts an early lead, but the dismissal of teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite eight minutes later silenced the Toffees supporters and shifted the momentum back in the visitors’ favour.
Seamus Coleman’s own goal hauled the Bees back on level terms, only for Richarlison’s penalty to restore Everton’s advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Brentford dominated the second half and deservedly made it 2-2 through Yoane Wissa’s looping header, before Rico Henry headed Christian Norgaard’s delivery into the far corner to put Thomas Frank’s side ahead for the first time in the match.
The Toffees’ woes were compounded late on when substitute Salomon Rondon was sent off for a two-footed lunge on Henry.
-bbc
