EPL: Brighton 1-1 Everton

Wayne Rooney scores the equaliser

Late drama ensued as Brighton and Everton played out a 1-1 draw at the Amex in Sunday's early game.

Both managers made three changes apiece, with Glenn Murray and Anthony Knockaert coming back in for the hosts, while Wayne Rooney got the nod for the Toffees.

A fairly forgettable opening 45 was packed with endeavour but lacked quality, with the main talking point a penalty shout for Brighton when it appeared Lewis Dunk's shot had been handled.

The second half began with increased vigour and Mason Holgate forced a strong save from Mat Ryan early on, an incident that was followed by a series of penalty shouts and goalmouth scrambles.

It was one of those scrambles from which the deadlock was finally broken on 82 minutes and it was Knockaert with the strike.

Bruno was the instigator, working well down the right before crossing to Jose Isquierdo and after the Colombian's effort was blocked, it was played in to Knockaert who made no mistake from eight yards. 

Brighton suddenly came to life but could not find a second and were made to pay.

After Bruno's good work in the build-up to their goal, the Spaniard was involved in an incident with Rooney and then from the next phase of play, foolishly tried to exact his revenge, forearm smashing Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the face.

It was the action of a coward and Michael Oliver had no option but to point to the spot and Rooney rolled home coolly in the 90th minute.

The final moments were packed with action as both Ryan and Jordan Pickford were both forced into saves.

However, the pair could not be separated and had to settle for a point following a brilliant closing 10 minutes, which made up for the drabness of the rest of the clash.