Everton: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sends message as last-minute equaliser boosts European hopes
Everton gave their hopes of securing European football a huge shot in the arm on Saturday as they scored late to draw 2-2 away at Brentford.
The Toffees and the Bees were locked together on the same number of points before kick-off at the Gtech Community Stadium, and the visitors ensured it stayed that way after full-time, having twice come from behind to snatch a point.
Beto cancelled out Igor Thiago’s first goal in the 26th minute, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replied to the Brazilian’s second of the afternoon with a vital stoppage-time effort.
David Moyes’ side are now just one point behind Chelsea in the Europa League place ahead of their clash with Manchester City on Sunday, and the prospect of European qualification is now firmly within reach.
Everton’s latest result also keeps them within touching distance of bitter rivals Liverpool, who they face at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBKiernan Dewsbury-Hall tells Everton fans to keep the faith
Dewsbury-Hall has been a hugely influential figure for Everton this season, and he has stepped up in the absence of Jack Grealish to become one of the team’s main sources of creativity.
The attacking midfielder struck his seventh Premier League goal of the season to earn a late point for his team in West London, and he has already made this year his best ever goalscoring season in the top-flight.
| Stats | Dewsbury-Hall Total |
| Goals | 1 |
| Chances Created | 2 |
| Accurate Passes | 25/31 (81%) |
| Passes Into Final Third | 8 |
| Defensive Contributions | 10 |
| Duels Won | 4/9 (44%) |
Beto is the only man in the Toffees’ squad who can match the 27-year-old’s exploits in front of goal, and he has already become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Moyes.
Everton have now lost just one of their last five league games, with that defeat coming against leaders Arsenal, and Dewsbury-Hall has been keen to ensure that fans keep their hopes up for European football, despite the team not being able to win on Saturday.
The former Leicester City man took to Instagram after the game, as he posted a photo of himself celebrating his goal, accompanied by the caption: “Don’t count us out… see ya next week.”
Dewsbury-Hall clearly feels that Everton still have plenty to give when it comes to their fight to secure a European berth for the first time since 2017-18.
Toffees ready to respond to Dewsbury-Hall interest
Dewsbury-Hall’s influential displays have unsurprisingly attracted plenty of attention in recent months, as he has got his career back on track after a disappointing spell at Chelsea last term.
Several top Premier League clubs have been keen to sign the Englishman ahead of this summer, but Football Insider recently revealed that Everton will resist any attempts to sign Dewsbury-Hall.
The Merseysiders are adamant that they will not even entertain the idea of a sale ahead of next season, with Dewsbury-Hall seen as a crucial part of their long-term plans.
Moyes is keen to ensure that he can continue building on what he has started at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and selling his key players is not on the agenda by any means.
Dewsbury-Hall has gained plenty of admirers for the impact that he has made since his move to Everton last summer, but those prying eyes will have to continue to watch from afar.
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