Everton took the lead twice against Brentford but were beaten 3-2 at Goodison Park, finishing the game with nine men.
Leeds’ draw against Brighton meant victory for the Toffees would put an end to the spectre of a first relegation since 1951, and that seemed the most likely outcome when Dominic Calvert-Lewin marked his first start in five weeks with a 10th-minute opener.
Everton fragility comes to the fore against Brentford to extend Premier League relegation battle
But, in keeping with Everton’s season, things were not going to be that simple – Jarrad Branthwaite was sent off for a foul on Ivan Toney eight minutes later, and Brentford levelled through a Seamus Coleman own goal.
Though Richarlison restored Everton’s lead just before the break, the pressure told in the second half as two goals in three minutes from Yoane Wissa and Rico Henry gave Brentford their first league double over Everton since 1936, and left Frank Lampard’s side still only two points above the bottom three.
Everton’s misery was compounded by a late red card for substitute Salomon Rondon for a poor challenge on Henry.
It was a deflating afternoon for Everton fans, who had given their players a huge reception before the match, the team buses barely able to reach the doors of Goodison amid a fog of blue flares, but who left in their droves before the final whistle.
RED CARD! 🟥
Jarrad Branthwaite is shown a straight red card and Everton are down to 10-men! 😮 pic.twitter.com/gUibwMnjLu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2022
It had felt so different at the start. There were less than three minutes gone when Calvert-Lewin flicked the ball on, Anthony Gordon broke through and, when his shot was saved, Richarlison headed just wide.
When Gordon won a free-kick on the right, the academy product whipped in a low ball which found its way into the far corner of the net via a combination of Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.
The roof almost came off the stadium but…
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