Crystal Palace lost a third time in the last 17 games, 3 goals to 1 against Everton at Goodison Park. They put up a resolute display against a motivated 9th placed team who were coming off an embarrassing loss themselves. Everton was largely restricted to shots from distance and set pieces.
But early in the second half, Palace’s hard work was undone as Gylfi Sigurdsson latched onto the ball just outside the area and his shot deflected past Wayne Hennessey to give Everton the lead.
Oumar Niasse made it 2-0 just minutes later when Patrick Van Aanholt decided to leave him completely open near the six-yard box. The Senegalese headed in Cuco Martina’s cross well away from the Palace goalkeeper.
Luka Milivojevic’s penalty effort to give Eagles a fighting chance came too late after Tom Davies’ goal made it 3 goals for the hosts. it was too little, too late as the Eagles were beaten at Goodison Park, leaving them in the thick of the battle at the bottom.
Everton Player Ratings:
Jordan Pickford – 7/10
He did well to save Alexander Sorloth’s powered header in the second half and got a hand on the Palace’s goal-through-penalty.
Seamus Coleman – 7/10
Not at all rusty after spending almost 10 months on the sidelines. A tireless runner down the right but was taken off in the second half. Very calm in tight spaces.
Cuco Martina – 7/10
Got himself an assist and improved upon his offensive duties. He kept out Andros Townsend and did not allow him to settle on the ball.
Michael Keane – 7/10
A much-improved display on last weekend, he looked far more at home in front of his own fans. Did well to keep out Benteke.
Eliaquim Mangala – 5/10
Still not settled into the Toffees team.
Idrissa Gueye – 7/10
Very dominant in the midfield as he won the majority of the 50-50 challenges and took a wonderful effort on goal from long distance only to be denied by Hennessey.
Tom Davies – 7/10
Another classy outing by the 19-year-old. Anticipation was on point to get the 3rd goal for his side.
Wayne Rooney – 7/10
He did his usual bit and dropped into the deeper positions to create chances.
Theo Walcott – 8/10
Razor sharp display by the former Arsenal man as he threatened the Palace backline constantly.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – 8/10
Finally, he is starting to display signs of his Swansea days as he got himself a goal today. Was very clever with the ball to formulate the Everton attacks.
Oumar Niasse – 8/10
Worked his socks off to not allow the Palace defence to have any time on the ball. Niasse got into scoring positions throughout the game and is the well deserved of a first-team call-up.
Substitutes:
Ashley Williams – 6/10
He settled into Mangala’s place and brought stiffened up the backline.
Jonjoe Kenny – 5/10
Not the same kind of force going forward as the Irishman but was assured enough in defence.
Morgan Schneiderlin – NA
