Staff Reporter.
Brighton edged a point closer to Premier League safety with a goalless draw against Everton at Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls climbed a place to 15th after the low-key encounter – seven points clear of 18th-placed Fulham who have played a game more.
Brighton pushed for a winner late on but Neal Maupay lashed an effort over from 10 yards and Lewis Dunk had a header tipped over the bar.
The point did little for Everton’s hopes of Champions League qualification with Carlo Ancelotti’s side seven points adrift of fourth-placed West Ham with a game in hand.
They were without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin because of injury and did not force Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into a save until the 71st minute.
Meanwhile the video assistant referee could not reverse an offside decision which cost West Brom a goal against Southampton because officials could not find a definitive camera angle.
Mbaye Diagne thought he had scored when he flicked Darnell Furlong’s shot into the net – but it was flagged offside.
Replays suggested it was Kyle Bartley who was offside, rather than Diagne.
However, the VAR could not determine whether Diagne was offside, so the on-field decision remained.
The result – thanks to goals from Matheus Pereira, Matt Phillips and Callum Robinson – means Sam Allardyce’s side have recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time this season and are now eight points from safety with seven games remaining.