Everton’s sensational travelling support got the day out it deserved on the south coast.
The sold out away end partied for 90 minutes and more as Sean Dyche’s side produced an emphatic display just when the club needed it most. It is a win that puts the Blues’ Premier League destiny in the club’s own hands and swings momentum towards Goodison Park in the battle for survival.
As Everton produced scenes on the pitch that no-one expected, here is how the evening at the Amex played out behind the scenes.
VERDICT: What happened inside the AMEX Stadium amid Everton scenes of hope and disbelief
ANALYSIS: Sean Dyche relentless message received as two players show fight
‘Try something new’
As the first half neared its conclusion the frustration in the home end was exemplified by a lone cry of desperation. While Brighton moved the ball sideways across the midfield, players still stunned by Everton’s three goal lead, a supporter sitting close to the dugouts called: “Try something new.” Brighton have been wonderful this season and few supporters would begrudge them the success their players’ imagination and creativity should bring them. But this team, that has caused so many problems to so many others - including Everton at Goodison Park - were left bereft of ideas by the Blues’ stunning first half display and that plea highlighted just how well the away side was playing.
Face in hands, hands on hips, Sean Dyche in disbelief as the goals keep coming
Watching Sean Dyche during a match is interesting at the best and worst of times. In the first half he was constantly in the ear of the fourth official - even arguing the case for James Garner after a free-kick was given when he ended up on the shoulders of a Brighton player. The audacity of Dyche complaining over that call left the nearby home supporters chuckling with laughter. He was most interesting as the goals went in though. No-one could believe what was unfolding - not even the manager. After the third goal the coaching team stepped back into its dugout, almost in disbelief. Dyche emerged scratching his head. When Dwight McNeil made it four Ian Woan walked back to the dugout pumping his fist as players engulfed McNeil - including substitute Demarai Gray, who launched himself down the touchline to get involved. Meanwhile Dyche stood alone, a few yards behind his coaching team and substitutes and on the extreme edge of the technical area furthest from the celebrations. Hands on hips he just stood there, staring in silence, as though he did not know how to react.
Jordan Pickford’s private celebration with his mentor
It’s rare that a team can win 5-1 and its goalkeeper can still lay claim to being in contention for man of the match. Everton were well ahead by the time Jordan Pickford’s time came, but when it did his saves from Evan Ferguson and Alexis Mac Allister were instrumental in keeping Brighton from getting a foothold in the match. Everton’s fourth goal came seconds after Pickford made one of four outstanding second half stops. As everyone else on his team was in the far corner celebrating, and Dyche was standing alone in apparent shock, Pickford enjoyed his own moment, pumping his arms before walking over to the touchline where goalkeeping coach and longtime mentor Alan Kelly engaged him in a discussion that appeared to be along the lines of ‘that save should count as an assist’. Outside the dressing rooms after the game, Pickford joked to reporters that he deserved at least a 9.5 out of 10 in any player ratings as he once again showcased his ability just when his side needed it.
Tom Davies desperate to get in front of the supporters
Everton’s fans stayed in the ground after the final whistle to celebrate the remarkable win - only the club’s second on the road this season in the Premier League. By the time the Everton subs went out for their warm down, hundreds of Blues still remained. Davies, upon seeing them as he came out of the tunnel, sprinted to the area in front of them so he could acknowledge them and then warm down in their presence.
Roberto de Zerbi fumes with Abdoulaye Doucoure as Yerry Mina goes on the wind up
There have been times this season, most notably against Newcastle United, when Everton have been ground down by the antics of their opposition. At the Amex it was the Blues who had that edge about their game. This was best showcased by the inclusion of Yerry Mina, who brought a bite to the performance that wound up the home side. Mina, on his first appearance under Dyche, swarmed all over Deniz Undav and made life difficult for a striker who had scored twice in his last outing in front of his home fans. Mina was indomitable and, while he lived life on the edge and was booked after just 17 minutes, he added some nastiness to a side that has been bullied too often. Meanwhile, in the second half, as Brighton heaped on the pressure, Doucoure was also involved in a spot of mischief. When he refused to get out of the way of a quick free-kick, then picked the ball up in protest, de Zerbi rushed to the edge of the pitch demanding a booking as the midfielder halted the home team’s momentum.
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