In a dramatic finale at Goodison Park, Everton substitute Beto scored a stoppage-time equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw against Fulham on Saturday.
The visitors, led by former Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, appeared to be heading for a well-earned win before Beto’s late intervention kept the Toffees’ unbeaten run alive at five matches.
Fulham, the better team throughout, opened the scoring through Iwobi, who struck in the 61st minute after a skillful run from Emile Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe dribbled confidently through three Everton defenders before laying it off to Iwobi, who took a composed touch to create space and slotted it past Jordan Pickford.
Fulham, maintaining control for much of the match, seemed set to claim victory against an Everton side that has recently struggled in this fixture, winning just once in their last eight encounters with the London club.
Before Iwobi’s goal, Everton had been mostly subdued, with few attacking chances and a defensive display that at times looked shaky.
Fulham had two clear-cut opportunities in the 27th minute, as Everton’s defense left them vulnerable.
Adama Traoré’s sharp-angled shot was blocked by Pickford, while Smith Rowe’s attempt soon after flew over the bar, unhindered by any Everton defenders.
Everton’s attack briefly threatened just past the half-hour mark when Idrissa Gueye let fly a 25-yard shot that dipped fiercely and clanged off the crossbar.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin quickly reacted to knock in the rebound, but it was disallowed for offside. Dwight McNeil also managed a header that Fulham keeper Bernd Leno caught comfortably, while Iwobi missed another chance to double Fulham’s lead, sending Traore’s cross over the bar.
With Fulham continuing to look the more dangerous side, Everton manager Sean Dyche brought on Beto to replace Calvert-Lewin, a change met with audible disappointment from the crowd.
But Beto silenced critics in the fourth minute of added time, rising to nod in a well-placed cross from veteran Ashley Young, who skillfully volleyed Iliman Ndiaye’s deep ball back into the box.
After the match, an emotional Beto shared his joy at finally making a decisive impact. “For me this goal means too much,” Beto said. “To be able to help the team, for me it’s emotional. Even if I don’t play, I still work hard. I put my head up every week and try to get better.” Grateful for the fan support, he added, “The supporters always sing my name, and as a player, you just want to pay it back. I always put it in my mind to be ready as the day may come. And today it came. I’m happy to help the team, to help the Toffees.”
The draw keeps Fulham in 10th place with 12 points, while Everton, recovering from a poor start to the season with four straight losses, move up to 15th with nine points.
