Jump directly to the content
'World Class'

Everton star Wayne Rooney praised by Ronald Koeman for saving his job with last-gasp penalty equaliser against Brighton

Toffees icon stepped up to the spot in the dying moments to salvage a point for his struggling side

RONALD KOEMAN hailed “world-class” Wayne Rooney for the last-gasp spot-kick that could have saved him the sack.

Rooney’s 90th-minute equaliser spared the Everton boss a fifth defeat in six Premier League games — and silenced Brighton fans’ taunts of “You’re getting sacked in the morning!”

 Ronald Koeman has hailed Wayne Rooney after his late penalty against Brighton
4
Ronald Koeman has hailed Wayne Rooney after his late penalty against BrightonCredit: Getty Images

Koeman said: “Taking penalties is not usually the most difficult job but at that moment, yes, it’s totally different.

“It’s 1-0 down in a difficult situation and the team needs points.

“If you keep your calmness in these situations that is experience and it’s world class.”

The penalty for Rooney to salvage his side a point came from Bruno’s elbow on Dominic Calvert-Lewin while attempting to defend a free-kick.

 The veteran striker stepped up to score from the spot in the dying moments
4
The veteran striker stepped up to score from the spot in the dying momentsCredit: Reuters

And Koeman praised the commitment of his side after going behind to Anthony Knockaert’s 82nd-minute opener.

He said: “I take several good positives out of the match.

“The aggression, the commitment of the players.

“You need to fight and play well — even at 1-0 down I thought we could come back because we showed that belief and took a risk.”

 Koeman was delighted that his job chances were kept alive by Rooney
4
Koeman was delighted that his job chances were kept alive by RooneyCredit: Rex Features
 Rooney is proving to be a key player for Everton this season despite their poor form
4
Rooney is proving to be a key player for Everton this season despite their poor formCredit: Reuters
Topics