Rooney saves Everton and Koeman at Brighton, as Southampton snatch draw against Newcastle
Reprieve for the Toffee’s manager as Rooney bags equaliser from the spot
Ronald Koeman’s future as Toffees boss looked in doubt when Anthony Knockaert gave Brighton the lead eight minutes from time, but Rooney kept his cool to level from the spot.
“I think we deserved something out of the afternoon,” Koeman said. “We know we can play better but the commitment and belief was really positive. At least it’s one point.”
Although they lost Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United over the summer, the arrival of Rooney and young talent such as Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen gave Everton a positive outlook going into the season.
However, Koeman’s new-look side has amassed just eight points from as many games – and it would have been seven if it weren’t for a moment of madness from Brighton captain Bruno.
Rooney calmly sent Brighton goalkeeper Mathew Ryan the wrong way. Knockaert had given Brighton the lead eight minutes earlier when Morgan Schneiderlin failed to clear the ball in his own box.
Brighton are above Everton in 14th thanks to a superior goal difference.
It was teacher versus student as Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino hosted Newcastle and his former boss Rafael Benitez in a 2-2 draw.
Pellegrino played for Benitez at Valencia and Liverpool before becoming a member of his coaching staff at Anfield and later at Inter Milan.
Isaac Hayden gave Newcastle the lead in the 20th minute as he showed fine technique to direct the bouncing ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Southampton levelled in the 49th when Gabbiadini was allowed too much time and space in the penalty area before tucking a low shot in at the near post.
It was another reckless moment from a defender that allowed Southampton back into the game once more as Florian Lejeune unnecessarily brought down Shane Long inside the box.
Gabbiadini smashed the penalty into the corner to move Southampton back into the top half of the table, a place behind Newcastle, which sits ninth with 11 points.