Much of the pre-match talk was unrelated to the actual on-field match that was scheduled to take place. The dismissal of Roy Hodgson, his hospitalization and subsequent resignation, the postponement of Everton’s appeal decision, and the club’s acquisition by 777 Partners. Despite everything going on, a team still needed to be sent out to fight in this six-point shootout since both teams were anxious to win points in order to get out of the relegation zone.Everton had defeated Crystal Palace six times previously and held a winning record against them. This season, they have already faced off three times: twice in the FA Cup and once in the league. The FA Cup third-round match between the two had to be replayed after they drew 0-0 at Selhurst Park. At Goodison, Andre Gomes’ goal in the 42nd minute proved to be the difference, and Everton moved on to the fourth round. Their previous encounter was in the rematch earlier in the season, which Sean Dyche’s team won 3-2.
Everton made one alteration to the team that was defeated by Manchester City the previous Saturday. Fantastic news: Jack Harrison was benched in favor of midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who returned from a hamstring injury to start right away.In the penultimate game of Roy Hodgson’s tenure as the club’s manager, Palace made three changes from the team that lost to Chelsea. Dean Henderson was replaced in goal by Sam Johnstone, Joel Ward, the captain, returned to defense, and Matheus Franca was replaced in attack by Odsonne Edouard. Everton had a chance to counterattack by taking advantage of the free spaces because the team was positioned with a concentration on attacking.The Everton Giant trophy was given to veteran left-back Pat van den Hauwe prior to kickoff, thrilling the enthusiastic Goodison crowd. At Goodison Park, another night was spent beneath the lights. Would it be included in Evertonians’ pantheon of enchanted evenings?With the Evertonians in full voice, Paul Tierney blew the whistle to start the contest. Palace moved the ball forward and under control very quickly. Tarkowski stopped a fast ball into Mateta, and the captain took a while to stand up. Then Everton got the ball, and Calvert Lewin’s movement was causing problems for Palace. There was no consistent pressure or control applied to either team.When Branthwaite pinched and was caught up field, Palace had the first opportunity to score, but Odsonne Eduard was unable to hit a shot that would have troubled Pickford. Doucoure had the team’s first opportunity when Everton began to have more control, but his attempt went wide.Afterwards, a ball was sent out to McNeil, who placed it on a plate for Calvert Lewin; however, the striker shot the ball narrowly, missing the post. As the pressure mounted, Jefferson Lerma casually dispatched Calvert Lewin by standing on the box’s edge. Garner grabbed the opportunity to take the free kick but his shot drifted wide of the post as McNeil and Garner stood over it.
After a beautiful flick from Doucoure that missed the goalscorer, Calvert Lewin was just inches away from beating the goalkeeper. Ashley Young met Mykolenko’s cross a few seconds later, but the ball flew wide. In about thirty minutes, Patterson and Beto were warming up off the bench. An early modification, perhaps?
When the ball landed on Lerma’s foot just inside the penalty box, Palace demonstrated why they are having trouble when his shot was sloppy and feeble. As Ashley Young cleared the corner off the line in the play that followed, Tierney declined to call a foul on McNeil, sending a red mist toward the Goodison fans. Everything was becoming incredibly abrasive and
