Everton Secures Late Draw Against Brentford Despite Thiago's Record-Breaking Performance

In a thrilling encounter, Everton managed to snatch a point from Brentford in stoppage time, courtesy of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's composed finish, cancelling out Igor Thiago's historic double that included his 21st Premier League goal of the season. A victory for either side would have propelled them to fifth place, alongside Liverpool, and within reach of a surprising Champions League spot with just a month remaining in the campaign. Brentford got off to a dream start when Kevin Schade was fouled by Jordan Pickford inside the opening two minutes, allowing Thiago to score his 20th Premier League goal from the penalty spot and equal the club record held by Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo. Although Everton started slowly, they gradually gained momentum and forced Caoimhin Kelleher into an impressive double save just before the half-hour mark. However, they didn't have to wait long to level the score as Beto clinically headed home, despite protests for a foul on Keane Lewis-Potter in the build-up. Schade nearly turned provider into goalscorer as his header from a corner cannoned off the bar, while the Toffees were denied again by Kelleher, who impressively saved attempts from Iliman Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall. Thiago broke the record in fortunate fashion when Michael Kayode's toepoke deflected off him and beat the prone Pickford, seemingly securing the win for Brentford. However, Dewsbury-Hall's 91st-minute equaliser meant both teams remained in seventh and eighth place, respectively. Home Team: Kelleher (8); Kayode (6), Van den Berg (6), Collins (7), Lewis-Potter (6); Jensen (6), Yarmoliuk (5), Damsgaard (4); Schade (6), Thiago (7), Ouattara (6). Subs: Nelson (5). Away Team: Pickford (7); O'Brien (6), Tarkowski (6), Branthwaite (6), Mykolenko (6); Garner (7), Gueye (7); McNeil (6), Dewsbury-Hall (7), Ndiaye (6); Beto (7). Subs: Barry (5), Iroebugnam (5), George (6). Player of the Match: Caoimhin Kelleher Brentford boss Keith Andrews praised Thiago, saying: "I think the biggest thing for Thiago this season was staying fit and playing as many minutes as he has. That's your first target. He's selfless in the way he plays the game for us, and his overall performance levels continue to get better and better." Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall reflected on the game, stating: "A bit of a rollercoaster of a game. We knew it was going to be a tough game there. They've got strengths that they play to really well. Probably on the balance of things, maybe a draw is the fair result." Everton boss David Moyes looked ahead to the upcoming Merseyside derby, saying: "We'll get ready for it. The next one's Liverpool, which will be a brilliant, brilliant game for all the Evertonians. We're in a much healthier position than we've been in for many years. So we'll go to the game and do the best we can."