Rooney saves Everton and Koeman at Brighton, as Southampton snatch draw against Newcastle

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.

While the draw only lifts Everton to 16th, it might be enough to persuade the club to give Koeman more time.

“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.

The defender recklessly elbowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the neck inside the penalty area in the dying stages of the game, giving referee Michael Oliver no choice but to point to the spot.