Premier League release statement after controversy in Everton draw vs Brighton

Beto secured an important point for Everton with his stoppage-time goal against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Amex Stadium hosted David Moyes’ team on 31 January, with the Toffees clearly going to East Sussex with defensive solidity in mind, as the Scottish manager started four centre-backs.

After a dull first half from the visitors, they had a few moments to score through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Tarkowski, but it was Pascal Gross who found the back of the net first for the Seagulls.

Moyes rolled the dice late in the game by replacing Thierno Barry with Beto, and the Guinea-Bissau international came up trumps as he scored in the 97th minute to equalise for the Merseyside outfit in the 1-1 draw.

VAR confirm Everton goal after James Tarkowski concern vs Brighton

In the 97th minute of the game, James Garner’s cross found its way to Jake O’Brien at the edge of the box and after his initial shot was saved, Beto was on hand to convert it.

While the striker was clearly onside, it was James Tarkowski whose position came into question as the Republic of Ireland international’s initial shot went past the English centre-back, who was in an offside position at that time.

However, Tarkowski wasn’t deemed to be impeding Bart Verbruggen’s vision and the goal was confirmed after a VAR check.

Writing on X on 31 January, the Premier League Match Centre’s statement read, “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR — with it deemed that Tarkowski did not impact the goalkeeper’s ability to save the ball while in an offside position.”

Beto has been linked with a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the goal at the Amex highlights the need for his presence in the squad.

While the 27-year-old may not be the first name on the teamsheet, he undoubtedly has the ability to make an impact off the bench.

• Read More: Soccer Saturday panel baffled after Brighton moment vs Toffees

David Moyes must push for new transfer after what’s seen at Amex Stadium

Jarrad Branthwaite has just returned from injury for Moyes, and the Scottish manager put the defender into the starting lineup at left-back against Brighton.

With Vitalii Mykolenko and Adam Aznou not in the squad, it feels like Everton had no other choice but to start the English defender out of position.

Branthwaite didn’t have his best outing and evidently struggled at the Amex Stadium.

Moyes also doesn’t seem to have faith in Aznou, and with Mykolenko’s consistent fitness and form concerns, a new left-back should be on the Merseyside outfit’s agenda before the 2 February deadline.

Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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