As the Premier League's youngest and oldest managers clashed on Saturday, Everton ended Brighton & Hove Albion's six-game unbeaten streak in the top flight when they emerged 1-0 winners in a close contest at the American Express Stadium.
David Moyes's 700th Premier League game saw the Toffees record consecutive league wins for the first time this season, and they are now in 16th place after 22 fixtures, seven points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich Town.
After a handball by Seagulls right-back Joel Veltman was spotted by VAR, Iliman Ndiaye followed up his goal against Tottenham Hotspur by giving the Merseysiders the lead just before half time from the penalty spot with what turned out to be the only effort on target from either side before the interval.
Fabian Hurzeler's side had more possession and six times as many shots as Everton, but failed to produce a meaningful reply to Moyes's men's opener, and were often reduced to shooting from distance given they lacked a significant threat despite their control and hard work.
That being said, this weekend's win was not all positive for the Toffees, who lost striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to yet another injury after just 13 minutes.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
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Typically, a team that have struggled as much as Everton have this season would be in serious trouble towards the foot of the table, but the distinct lack of quality on display from the three promoted clubs this term kept the Toffees comfortably out of reach of 18th-placed Ipswich prior to Saturday's clash.
Now with another win and another three points under their belt, fans and players alike will be feeling more confident about the campaign ahead, and may be eyeing Manchester United, who are just three points in front of them, as their next target.
Before Moyes's reappointment, Everton had produced the lowest xG figure in the top flight, and the veteran boss has done well to come out on top in terms of expected goals against both Tottenham and Brighton, two of the most attacking sides in the division.
On the other hand, Hurzeler's side have registered just two wins from their last 10 Premier League games, and have slipped down the table after their strong start under the 31-year-old.
The Seagulls found it hard to break down a determined side on Saturday, and will have to get over their frustrations if they are to bounce back against high-flying Nottingham Forest next week.
BRIGHTON VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
13th min: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton) injury
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Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin picks up an injury early on at the American Express Stadium, and is replaced by Beto.
42nd min: Everton 1-0 Brighton (Iliman Ndiaye)
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The Toffees' wide man slots home from the penalty spot after a handball by Joel Veltman to give the visitors the lead just before half time!
MAN OF THE MATCH - JAMES TARKOWSKI
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Everton limited Brighton to just 0.75 xG throughout the game, and Jordan Pickford only had one save to make in the match.
This defensive solidity earned the Toffees all three points on Saturday, and was epitomised by the ever-reliable James Tarkowski, who marshalled a stalwart defence on the south coast.
BRIGHTON VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Brighton 68.9%-31.1% Everton
Shots: Brighton 16-3 Everton
Shots on target: Brighton 1-1 Everton
Corners: Brighton 9-1 Everton
Fouls: Brighton 8-11 Everton
BEST STATS
FT: Brighton 0-1 Everton
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) January 25, 2025
David Moyes' 700th Premier League game in charge ends in victory. #BHAEVE pic.twitter.com/R2k4IUU7mo
WHAT NEXT?
Now in ninth, Brighton will travel to take on unlikely title-challengers Nottingham Forest to start February, while Everton will be looking to make it three wins in a row against Leicester City before an FA Cup clash with Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth.
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