Everton edge Brentford 1-0 to secure Premier League safety

Everton secured their Premier League status for another season with a narrow 1-0 victory over a jubilant but ultimately defeated Brentford side.

The win marked only their second-ever league double over the Bees and a fourth consecutive victory at Goodison Park.

With both sides already assured of survival thanks to earlier results, the Goodison Park atmosphere lacked the intensity that formed the backdrop for the midweek Merseyside derby success. 

However, Everton remained focused on securing a positive result.

Fresh off his derby goalscoring heroics, Jarrad Branthwaite showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial block on Mathias Jensen early in the first half. 

The opening period proved to be a cagey affair, with neither side managing a single shot on target, leaving both managers with work to do at the break.

The second half saw a shift in momentum. Ivan Toney came close for Brentford, only to be denied by a resolute Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal. 

Moments later, Dwight McNeil came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when he rattled the crossbar with a powerful long-range effort.

Everton’s pressure finally paid off on the hour mark. Idrissa Gueye pounced on a loose ball from a blocked Branthwaite shot and unleashed a powerful strike that nestled into the top corner.

Substitute Keane Lewis-Potter injected some urgency into the Brentford attack, forcing Pickford into a smart save. 

However, it wasn’t enough to salvage a point. Everton held firm, securing a fourth consecutive home win without conceding a single goal.

The victory moves Everton above Brentford into 15th place in the Premier League table, and regardless of the outcome of their points deduction appeal, the Toffees will remain in the top flight for a 71st consecutive season.