Igor Thiago made history by scoring his 21st Premier League goal of the season, but it wasn’t enough as Everton scored from Brentford in stoppage time.
A win for either team would move them level with Liverpool into fifth place and move them closer to qualifying for the impossible Champions League with one month left in the campaign.
After Thiago’s historic double, the hosts thought they would win, but both teams missed chances as Keenan Dewsbury scored an equalizing goal in stoppage time.
Brentford got off to a dream start with Kevin Shade running in front of goal and being brought down by Jordan Pickford within the first two minutes.
Thiago, who had just scored his first goal for Brazil during the break, scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season without a miss from 12 yards out, equaling Ivan Toney and Brian Mbeumo for the club’s record.
Igor Thiago celebrates 20th Premier League goal of the season
The Toffees started late but pressed on, conceding an incredible double save from Caoich Kelleher just before the half-hour mark. However, despite a protest for a foul on Kean Lewis-Potter in the build-up, Beto clinically headed home soon after, so they didn’t have to wait long to equalize.
Beto scores home equalizer against Brentford
Shade almost went from provider to goalscorer when his header from a set piece hit the bar from a corner kick. Victory was secured thanks to a sharp save from Jordan Pickford to keep Matthias Jensen at bay.
The hosts had another header through Collins early in the second half, but the Toffees were again thwarted by Kelleher, who brilliantly denied both Iliman Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall.
Nathan Collins regrets his header that hit the bar against Everton.
When the time comes, a man will come. Michael Cayode’s toe deflected the striker’s attempt to get in the way of his shot, beating a prone Pickford and Thiago breaking the record in fortuitous fashion.
It looked like this would be enough to win, but Dewsbury Hall showed incredible composure to score in the 91st minute, leaving both sides in seventh and eighth place respectively.
Andrews: ‘Special’ Thiago is getting better and better
Brentford manager Keith Andrews said of Igor Thiago in the post-match press conference:
“I think the biggest thing for Thiago this season was to stay healthy and play as much time as possible. That’s the first goal.
Igor Thiago celebrates his opening goal against Everton
“The reality is that no one knows. Anyone who says otherwise is not being completely honest. We always knew he had great qualities. I think the way he plays the game for us is selfless. The goals obviously attract attention.”
“But his overall performance level continues to get better and better and he’s constantly evolving his game. I think he’s proven to be a very special player.”
“I think we already have some outstanding strikers here and I think he’s an all-round centre-forward.
“It’s probably wrong for me to bracket him with the rest of the players, because I was a big fan of the players that you probably think of, but Thiago is obviously special to me.”
“If we can’t win, let’s try not to lose.”
Everton midfielder Keiynan Dewsbury-Hall told Sky Sports after scoring a late equalizer against Brentford.
“It was a bit of a roller coaster game, we knew it was going to be a tough game.
“They have their strengths and they are playing to their advantage. Perhaps in the balance of things a draw is a reasonable result.
Keiynan Dewsbury-Hall celebrates after scoring Everton’s equalizer in stoppage time
“The fact that we came back twice shows their mentality.
“We never give up until the final whistle, so it was good to get the goal late on and at least get something out of it.
“It’s a cliché, but if you can’t win, don’t lose. And we did that and, like I said, coming back from behind twice was pleasing. So, you know, we got to the end of the season and that’s a big point.”
“Let’s carry that into the next game. Next week is an important game for us. Hopefully we can put in the effort and get a good result.”
Everton ready for Merseyside derby with European implications
Everton manager David Moyes told Sky Sports about next week’s Merseyside derby:
“We will prepare for it. The next game is Liverpool and it will be a great, great game for all Evertonians.
“As you know, this is the first time Liverpool are playing in the new stadium.
“So we’re all going to be looking forward to it. We’re in a much healthier position than we’ve been in a long time.
“So we’re going to the game. You know, there’s a lot to be positive and think about. So hopefully we can go to the game and do the best we can.”
