Everton vs Brentford Report

Scorers: N/A

Red Card: Norgaard 41’

A gritty defensive display from 10-man Brentford saw them earn their first point on the road this season in a goalless draw at Goodison Park.

Everton dominated much of the match but lacked the cutting edge to break down Thomas Frank’s resilient side, who battled bravely after Christian Nørgaard’s first-half red card.

First Half: Everton Wasteful, Nørgaard Sent Off

Everton started brightly, as has been their habit in home games, but their familiar issue of failing to capitalise on early pressure surfaced once again.

Iliman Ndiaye came closest to breaking the deadlock early on, only for Mark Flekken to produce a stunning save to deny the forward. Dwight McNeil also had two opportunities to test Flekken, but both efforts from the edge of the box failed to find the target.

Despite Everton’s dominance, Brentford had the best chance of the half when Mikkel Damsgaard slipped in Yoane Wissa. The forward found himself one-on-one with Jordan Pickford, but the England goalkeeper stayed big to make a crucial stop.

The game’s pivotal moment came five minutes before halftime when Christian Nørgaard was shown a red card for catching Pickford on the shin while lunging for Ethan Pinnock’s knockdown. After a VAR review, referee Paul Tierney had no choice but to dismiss the Brentford captain.

Second Half: Brentford’s Defensive Heroics Hold Firm

Down to 10 men, Brentford set up to frustrate Everton and succeeded in doing so as the home side struggled to turn possession into meaningful chances.

Sean Dyche introduced Beto to partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a bid to add firepower, but the Toffees continued to find it difficult to breach the Brentford defence.

The visitors, despite their numerical disadvantage, carried a threat on the counter, with Wissa and Damsgaard keeping the Everton backline alert.

As the game entered its final stages, Goodison Park grew increasingly anxious as Everton peppered the Brentford box with crosses but failed to trouble Flekken, who commanded his area well.

Brentford’s determination paid off as they held on through four minutes of added time to secure a morale-boosting point.

What It Means

• Everton: Sean Dyche’s men miss the chance to climb further away from the relegation zone, with a lack of clinical finishing a continuing concern.
• Brentford: A first away point of the season offers some relief for Thomas Frank’s side, whose resilience with 10 men will give them confidence moving forward.

Both teams have much to work on, particularly in the final third, as they look to build momentum in the coming weeks.

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Everton v Brentford, 2024/25 | Premier League