Chris Beesley writes about Everton’s hero at Brighton & Hove Albion, Beto, whose 97th-minute equaliser earned a deserved 1-1 draw
Beto peels away in celebration as his last-grasp strikes earns Everton a point at Brighton & Hove Albion and sends the travelling supporters into rapture(Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Just over a year ago, Beto left the Amex Stadium as Everton’s last striker standing. But while David Moyes wasn’t able to secure another away win over Brighton & Hove Albion this time around, his side’s last-gasp draw thanks to his substitute’s finish at the second time of asking must have felt almost as sweet.
Back at the start of 2025, the Blues had four forward options with Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti both already sidelined before Dominic Calvert-Lewin did his hamstring in what proved to be his final start for the club.
Beto, who would admit after scoring in the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace the following month that he’d come close to leaving Everton in that winter transfer window, would go on to net five goals in the next four Premier League games as he enjoyed a rich vein of form in a prolific purple patch.
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However, it’s been more difficult for him since.
Handed the coveted number nine jersey last summer after Calvert-Lewin’s departure, despite a couple of goals in August, he’s been increasingly forced into an understudy role this season as Thierno Barry has learned to become a more effective Premier League striker.
Again there have been the exit rumours for Beto throughout January and it seems increasingly difficult to envisage a long-term role for him at Everton.
But whatever the future brings for this passionate player who always wears his heart on his sleeve, he’ll have the magical memories of this dramatic cameo in Sussex by the sea.
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