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A STRING of fine saves by goalkeeper Mat Ryan, including one in the dying moments, has earned Brighton and Hove Albion a precious 1-1 draw against Everton in the English Premier League.

With the Merseysiders in full throttle after former England skipper Wayne Rooney equalised with a 90thminute penalty, the Socceroos No. 1 made a couple of stunning saves to thwart the Toffees.

In almost the last play of the match, Ryan denied Kevin Mirallas twice in one movement with the second stop with his legs breathtaking.

Earlier, the Seagulls looked on course to take all three points from a drab match when Anthony Knockaert pounced on a loose ball and fired home eight minutes from fulltime.

But Brighton defender Bruno caught Dominic Calvert-Lewin with an elbow in the final minute, giving Rooney the opportunity to gain a point for Ronald Koeman’s side, whose difficult start to the season continued.

The draw moves both teams on to eight points and lifts them one place in the table, Brighton to 14th and Everton to 16th.

“At least we got one point — I think a point well deserved,” Koeman said.

“We were the better team. Most of the time we had good ball possession. Maybe we had to create a bit more.”

Later, Manolo Gabbiadini earned Southampton a point by scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle at St Mary’s.

The Italian striker equalised twice for the hosts, first with a fine solo effort in the 49th minute to cancel out Isaac Hayden’s first-half opener.

Newcastle regained the lead two minutes later through Ayoze Perez, but Gabbiadini replied from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.