Jean-Philippe Mateta came off the bench to rescue a point for Crystal Palace in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Everton at Selhurst Park, dealing a setback to the visitors’ ambitions of qualifying for Europe, Softfootball report.
Everton made a bright start and took the lead early through James Tarkowski, who finished from close range after a well-worked set piece involving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Palace responded in the first half as Ismaila Sarr found the equaliser in the 34th minute, his effort taking a deflection before beating Jordan Pickford.
Just after the restart, Everton regained the lead when Beto showed strength and composure to beat his marker and slot the ball past Dean Henderson.
However, Palace continued to push forward, and their persistence paid off in the 77th minute. A cross from Tyrick Mitchell caused problems in the Everton box, eventually falling to Mateta, who smashed home a powerful finish to level the match.
Both sides created chances in the closing stages but were unable to find a winner, leaving Everton frustrated after dropping points once again.
The result leaves Everton in 10th place in the Premier League, missing a key opportunity to move closer to the European spots. With scenarios where eighth place could secure continental qualification depending on outcomes in competitions like the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Chelsea this draw could prove costly.
For Palace, attention is increasingly shifting toward their upcoming European challenge, having recently secured a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League Final with victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Despite that, manager Oliver Glasner fielded a strong side, and his team showed resilience to earn a valuable point, moving them further clear of the relegation zone.
fans took to their x handles to react to the match:
davo said
Crystal Palace and Burnley are all that stand between Arsenal and immortality. If you think they’re slipping now after surviving that West Ham game, you haven’t been paying attention. The luck is
patrick Williams says that was lucky
Luckiest club we’ve played this season I hope Rayo smash you in the final
earth extremities says that was a well deserved point for crystal palce
Apart from the lousy goals conceded, a well deserved point
Ryanhornsby gave crystal palace kudos for fighting back
Well done to fight back, but really not good enough. The quality of these players is more than good enough to have got all three points. Hope to see more against Brentford.
mrpringles19 says Palace played well
The mighty palace played well. Thought we go unlucky. Mitchell 10/10. Great overall prem game as both teams actually tried to score goals
Everton, meanwhile, are now without a win in five league matches. While their season under David Moyes has shown clear improvement, their inability to hold onto leads could ultimately cost them a place in Europe as they head into crucial fixtures against Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal also edged closer to lifting the Premier League title after a tense and controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium
