Sean Dyche’s Everton climbed out of the drop zone with a stunning 5-1 win at high-flying Brighton on Monday evening. The Seagulls had European ambitions of their own coming into this game, but were taken to the cleaners by the Toffees, who put in a fine display of counter-attacking football.
Everton were 1-0 up after just 35 seconds courtesy Abdoulaye Doucoure, and the Malian himself made it 2-0 when he volleyed home Dwight McNeil’s cross on 29 minutes. McNeil was also involved in the third- it was his pass that took a deflection off unwitting Albion keeper Jason Steele.
With fifteen odd minutes remaining, McNeil again showed his class as he rounded Steele to make it 4-0. Brighton pulled one back through Mitoma, but McNeill capped off a wonderful evening as he smashed one past Steele at the near post in added time to make it 5-1.
As a result of the defeat, Brighton are now seven points behind fifth placed Liverpool, although they do have two games in hand over the Reds. Their next assignment is away at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Everton have an equally daunting task- they will host league leaders Manchester City at Goodison Park.
