Premier League: Everton and Newcastle secure victories while West Ham only draws
West Ham had an opportunity to narrow the gap on Nottingham Forest and reach Premier League safety but ended up drawing 2-2 at home against Brighton.
With Forest suffering a loss at home to Everton, West Ham could have reduced the deficit to two points with a victory at home, but despite taking the lead on two occasions, they had to settle for a draw.
Everton’s win over Forest advanced them into the top half, while Burnley’s struggles continued with a defeat at home to Newcastle.
Hammers squander opportunity
West Ham took the lead with their initial attack of the match as Jarrod Bowen chased Lucas Paqueta’s lofted ball, outpacing Brighton’s defense to score.
A clumsy challenge from Max Kilman resulted in a penalty for Brighton, and Danny Welbeck converted by sending Alphonse Areola the wrong way from the spot.
A rugby tackle from Paqueta on Lewis Dunk led to another penalty for Brighton, but Welbeck’s ‘Panenka’ attempt hit the crossbar.
The next penalty excitement occurred as the eventful first half progressed into stoppage time when Dunk denied a goalbound shot from Callum Wilson.
Replays revealed that the ball struck the Seagulls defender’s arm, which was away from his body, and after a thorough VAR review, a penalty was awarded.
Paqueta calmly rolled the penalty in to restore West Ham’s lead, but Joel Veltman equalized from a corner, leaving the Hammers in a difficult position.
Newcastle triumph away
Newcastle sought an away victory and achieved one with a 3-1 win at Burnley.
Goals from Joelinton and Yoane Wissa early on set Newcastle on the path to victory, with Joelinton scoring just 65 seconds in and former Brentford player Wissa netting a scrappy second.
A brilliant volleyed finish from Josh Laurent brought Burnley back into the match, but Bruno Guimaraes sealed the points with a splendid long-range effort.
Forest suffer defeat
Former Nottingham Forest player James Garner found the net and assisted another goal as Everton secured a 2-0 victory at the City Ground.
Three consecutive losses have left Forest in 17th place, just four points clear of West Ham, who they will meet next week.
Dwight McNeil set up Garner, whose precise first-time finish found the bottom corner to put Everton ahead.
Sean Dyche’s team pressed hard in the second half, with Igor Jesus nearly scoring after a failure to clear by Everton.
However, Garner then outmaneuvered Murillo with some skill, delivering a defense-splitting pass to Thierno Barry, who finished calmly, marking his second goal of the season against Forest.
Published: 2025-12-30 21:47:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
