- Everton failed to win against Crystal Palace after twice taking the lead
- Everton has two games remaining now
- The Merseyside club sits 10th with 49 points
Everton’s push for European football suffered another blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. David Moyes named an unchanged side from the thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester City, but his team could not hold on to the lead on either occasion. Despite starting the match well, Everton failed to capitalize on the lead and couldn’t take the all-important three points.
Tarkowski draws first blood for Everton
The Toffees made a dream start. Inside six minutes, James Garner’s corner caused chaos in the Crystal Palace box. Michael Keane battled with Tyrick Mitchell, and the ball fell kindly to James Tarkowski at the back post. The centre‑back kept his composure to slot past Dean Henderson and give Everton an early lead.
Everton nearly doubled their advantage shortly after. On the counter, Iliman Ndiaye slipped in Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall, who saw his effort saved by Henderson’s feet.
Palace hit back before halftime
The hosts drew level in the 33rd minute. Ismaila Sarr combined well with Daniel Munoz down the left, then received the ball inside the box. His initial shot was cleared by Keane, but Sarr reacted quickest to fire home the rebound.
Beto restores the lead
Everton came out firing after the break. Two minutes into the second half, Beto put the Blues back in front. Tarkowski launched a long ball down the right channel. The striker showed immense strength to hold off Lacroix, turned the defender inside out, and calmly slotted between Henderson’s legs. It was Beto’s fifth goal in as many games.
Dewsbury‑Hall nearly added a third 10 minutes later. He picked up Pickford’s impressive throw, looked to round Henderson, but was denied.
Mateta levels again for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace substitute Jean‑Philippe Mateta, who had 10 goals already, made an immediate impact. With 13 minutes remaining, Mitchell pulled a low cross back to Mateta, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2‑2 and his 11th of the campaign.
Late chances go begging for Everton
Everton pushed for the winner. Dewsbury‑Hall thought he had scored in the dying minutes, but the linesman’s flag was correctly raised for offside in the build‑up. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, substitute Tyrique George skipped past two place defenders and freed Ndiaye. Ndiaye saw his powerful shot saved by Henderson.
The result leaves Everton with just two games remaining and their European hopes hanging by a thread. They must now beat Sunderland at home and Tottenham away to have any outside chance of making it to the European stage for the next term.
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