Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Saves Everton in Dramatic Draw
On Saturday, it was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who once again came to the rescue for Everton, securing a crucial late point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Brentford. The match saw Igor Thiago score his 20th and 21st goals of the Premier League season, with a deft header from Beto also playing a key role in the outcome.
Thiago’s Rise to Stardom
Igor Thiago has become one of the most remarkable success stories of the season. After a challenging first campaign in English football, the Brazilian striker has now surpassed Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney to become Brentford’s top scorer in a single top-flight season.
His first goal came from the penalty spot, a calm and accurate finish into the bottom corner—mirroring his first goal for Brazil earlier in the week. Later, after a strong run from deep, Michael Kayode’s shot struck Thiago, deflecting past Jordan Pickford.
Thiago’s performances have been nothing short of impressive, and there is now a real possibility that he could be part of the Brazil squad at the World Cup. While it remains to be seen if Carlo Ancelotti will give him a chance to play in England, Thiago has certainly made a compelling case for selection.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews praised Thiago after the match, highlighting his fitness and overall performance. “The biggest thing for Thiago this season was staying fit,” he said. “The goals get the attention, but his overall performance levels are improving every game. He’s an all-round centre-forward and can do pretty much everything. He’s proven to be a very special player.”
A Match of Equals
Both Brentford and Everton entered the match as evenly matched sides, sitting level on points with Brentford having a slight edge in goal difference. This balance was evident throughout the game, which was played under the spring sun.
The match started with Thiago scoring a penalty, setting the tone for an intense encounter. However, the first half saw both teams cancel each other out, with neither side able to gain a clear advantage.
It wasn’t until the 26th minute that Beto scored, heading home an Idrissa Gueye cross following a momentary lapse in concentration from Keane Lewis-Potter. The second half was more open, with Brentford hoping that Thiago’s second goal would secure the win. But just as they had done in February at Fulham, Everton found a way to equalize.
In the 91st minute, a desperate clearance from Kayode fell to Dewsbury-Hall, who fired past Caoimhin Kelleher with his reliable left foot. The Everton fans in that corner celebrated as though it was a winning goal.
David Moyes praised Dewsbury-Hall after the match, noting that his seventh goal of the season was crucial. “Kiernan’s been so good for us,” Moyes said. “He’s come in and helped us greatly. His goals have been hugely important. When I signed him, he told me, ‘I’ll score goals if I’m played in the right position.’ So we’ve been really impressed with him.”
Player Ratings
Brentford:
– Kelleher: 8
– Kayode: 7
– Van de Berg: 6
– Collins: 6
– Lewis-Potter: 5
– Jensen: 7
– Yarmoliuk: 6
– Damsgaard: 6
– Ouattara: 7
– Thiago: 8.5
– Schade: 7
– Subs: Nelson 6
– Manager: Keith Andrews 6
Everton:
– Pickford: 7
– O’Brien: 6
– Tarkowski: 6
– Branthwaite: 7
– Mykolenko: 5
– Gueye: 6.5
– Garner: 7
– Dewsbury-Hall: 8
– McNeil: 6
– Beto: 7
– Ndiaye: 6.5
– Subs: George 7, Iroegbunam 6, Barry 6
– Manager: David Moyes 6
– Referee: Farai Hallam 6
