Jarrad Branthwaite was left flummoxed by Everton’s inability to close out the game against ten-man Brighton on Saturday.
The Seagulls had the majority of the chances in front of goal at the Amex Stadium, but it was the centre-back who broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in the second half.
But the Toffees failed to hold on for a crucial win, even though they had a man advantage over the hosts after Billy Gilmour was sent off for a nasty challenge on Amadou Onana.
Sean Dyche’s men retreated into their shell, hoping to cling on for all three points, only for Lewis Dunk to power home a header past Jordan Pickford in the 95th minute of the contest.
“We put in a solid performance,” Branthwaite told BBC Sport after the final whistle.
“We went 1-0 up and then they went down to 10 men. Then we sat back and invited pressure – them scoring at the end is frustrating.
“They are a good team, with 10 men they could keep the ball. We pressed all game, then they went down to 10 men and we stopped pressing – I don’t know what happened.”
The result means Everton move a point ahead of Luton Town, but are still hovering above the relegation zone, sitting 17th in the Premier League table.
Brighton, meanwhile, remain seventh on 39 points.
