- Everton extended win-less run to five after drawing 2-2 against Crystal Palace.
- Hosts claimed point after recently qualifying for Europa Conference League final.
- David Moyes’ side failed to take advantage of a depleted Palace team.
Everton’s European hopes took a dent after drawing 2-2 at Selhurst Park.
The Toffees have not won since their marvellous 3-0 victory against Chelsea in March and have let leads slip in their past two matches.
Crystal Palace were fresh off qualifying for their first European final on Thursday night after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk.
Even though the Eagles had only two days’ rest, there was an argument that they deserved all three points as they took advantage of a wasteful Everton team that left Oliver Glasner unimpressed.
Oliver Glasner takes a dig at lacklustre Everton
Glasner was interviewed following the game and expressed his pleasure in how his side performed, but also thought his opponents dwindled near the end of the match.
He said: “I’m more pleased with the performance, especially [in the] second half.
“At the end, maybe the last 30 minutes, it felt like Everton had to play three days ago, because we put so much pressure, we created chances.”
The hosts came close to bagging a winner in stoppage time through Jean-Philippe Mateta and were in the ascendancy after scoring their equaliser.
Everton handed their opponents a point again
Everton ran the show in the early stages of their encounter with Palace, and should have capitalised on James Tarkowski’s goal.
But as each chance was wasted, the Eagles were grateful to remain in the match and took their opportunities when they came.
There is a ruthlessness that is missing from the Toffees’ game, and it is costing them dearly.
After going 3-1 up against title-chasing Manchester City, the game plan was simple, yet they still made life hard for themselves and gave Pep Guardiola’s side a lifeline.
There was not an abundance of horrific mistakes today, but the same lack of ruthlessness was present.
Moyes’ men got off to the start of dreams and had control of proceedings from the off, yet they managed to gift Palace opportunities to stay in the match.
For a side chasing European football, that is quite simply not good enough, and it is an element of the team that needs addressing immediately.
Everton are heading in the right direction under Moyes, but this season will be characterised by their failure to hold their nerve and grasp golden opportunities when they arise.
