Brighton & Hove Albion 1-5 Everton: Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dwight McNeil score twice to move Toffees out of relegation zone

Everton took a step towards Premier League safety with a thrilling 5-1 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium that lifts them out of the relegation zone. Sean Dyche’s side came into the match under immense pressure with their top-flight status in serious jeopardy, but stunned the in-form Seagulls with three goals in the first half before adding two more later on. Ad Abdoulaye Doucoure bagged a double in the opening 29 minute before Jason Steele turned the ball into his own goal in a frantic opening period that all but secured Everton a crucial three points and dented Brighton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Premier LeagueLate Mac Allister penalty sinks Red Devils on the South Coast as Brighton win04/05/2023 AT 18:16 For all the plaudits Roberto De Zerbi’s side have rightly enjoyed of late, they showed a frailty and a naivety up against their well-drilled opponents. From the off, Everton’s intentions to sit deep and hit Brighton on the break was apparent, but the hosts did nothing to stem the tide in a bonkers first half. Alex Iwobi stole possession from kick-off and fed Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who turned and found Doucoure for the simplest of goals to silence the Amex faithful after just 34 seconds.

For all that was straightforward, Doucoure's second was anything but. Once again, it stemmed from a Brighton attack, but when Adam Webster’s pass was intercepted, Everton broke with the speed and confidence of a team far higher up the table. Dwight McNeil charged up the left flank before floating a ball into the box for Doucoure to volley past Steele, who had no chance in goal.