Brentford and Everton played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, but the result ultimately flattered the visitors. Brentford dominated the xG battle 2.1 to 1.3, showcasing their superiority in open play. Thomas Frank's side took the lead through Vitaly Janelt's 24th-minute strike, which came after they won the ball high up the pitch and launched a devastating counter-attack.

However, Everton's ability to capitalize on set-pieces kept them in the game. Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalized just before half-time, rising highest to power home a header from a corner. The second half saw Brentford create a flurry of chances, with Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo a constant threat. But it was Everton who took the lead against the run of play, Abdoulaye Doucouré scoring from close range after a corner was only partially cleared.

To Brentford's credit, they refused to give in and leveled late on through substitute Josh Dasilva's deflected effort. The draw was the least they deserved, with Everton's xG-underperformance of 1.0 suggesting they were fortunate to escape with a point.

The key tactical reason for Brentford's dominance was their relentless pressing, forcing Everton into 17 turnovers in their own half. In contrast, Everton's inability to defend set-pieces cost them, with Calvert-Lewin's and Doucouré's goals coming from corners - an area Brentford had clearly targeted.