James Tarkowski believes Beto “deserves” moments like the last-gasp equaliser | OneFootball

James Tarkowski believes “hard-working” Beto “deserves” moments like the one after scoring the last-gasp equaliser against Brighton.

Coming on late in the game, the Everton number 9 scored in the 97th minute to secure a 1-1 draw at Amex Stadium.

It was Beto’s third goal in the league this season and the Guinea-Bissau international has been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks, with clubs in Turkey and Italy showing interest.

“Everyone says it about Beto – he’s one of the hardest workers in the team. He never gives up,” Tarkowski praised Beto in the aftermath of the contest.

“He’s always open to criticism, how to improve, how to get better. He’s continuously trying to develop his game.

“Moments like that, he really deserves because he puts so much effort in.”

Everton were well represented in the away section once again and once the ball hit the back of the net, they began chanting his name in celebration.

It was a strong finish to the contest for the Toffees who mounted a positive showing in the second half after a tepid start. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had a gilt-edged opportunity to put the visitors into the lead but David Moyes’ side ended up conceding against the run of play through Pascal Gross.

Assessing his side’s performance, Tarkowski said, “I thought we played really well second half. I thought we started the first half slowly, but got to grips with the game.

“But we looked in control in the second half, but conceded a goal from nothing, which was really disappointing because we’ve been defending ever so well away from home.

“We managed to fight and get that point.

“We’ve got quality all over the pitch. We’ve signed some terrific players, and we already had some terrific players here. We’re a team now who are really trying to push to the top half of the table.

“We’re still developing, still getting better, but we’re working at it. Hopefully it’ll be a good finish to the season.”

Everton fielded an unconventional starting lineup against Brighton with four centre-backs playing in a back four. Michael Keane, returning from his three-game ban, partnered James Tarkowski in the middle while Jake O’Brien moved to the right. The surprise, however, was Jarrad Branthwaite starting at left-back to replace the injured Vitalii Mykolenko.

It was Branthwaite’s first Premier League start since May 2025 and Tarkowski was happy for his younger teammate.

“I’m buzzing for him,” added Tarkowski. “He’s been through a lot the past eight months. He’s had setback after setback. He finally gets himself out there, and we know how good he is.

“He’s proved it time after time.”