A dramatic comeback keeps Everton in the Premier League ahead of the league’s final matchday.
Everton defeated Crystal Palace 3-2 in their Premier League game on Thursday. The Toffees came back from behind to clinch a vital win at Goodison Park.
The Toffees remain in Premier League!
Everton started the game by pushing for an early breakthrough, but their attacks only provided space for Palace to hurt them on the counter-attacks.
Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for Palace in the 21st minute before Jordan Ayew doubled the guests’ lead 17 minutes later.
It seemed that Everton were set for another disappointing league defeat. But the Toffees’ strong start to the second half completely changed the course of the game.
Michael Keane got Everton back into the game by scoring their first goal of the night in the 54th minute. Frank Lampard’s men continued their relentless pressure down both flanks, clinching the equalizer 20 minutes later.
Following a blocked shot from Dele Alli, Richarlison stepped up to make it 2-2 with a precise strike. Palace’s backline collapsed in the atmosphere of Goodison Park, giving away more and more chances to the hosts.
A fantastic cross from Demarai Gray found Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who headed the ball behind Jack Butland to make it 3-2.
Fans invaded the pitch even before the final whistle as the Toffees avoided relegation after an underwhelming campaign.
What’s next for Everton?
Everton will not be worried about the final matchday’s close relegation battle between Burnley and Leeds United.
The Toffees’ relegation escape will also benefit Arsenal, who must face the Merseyside club on Sunday. The Gunners must beat Everton to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Player Ratings
Everton: Pickford (7); Coleman (6), Keane (6), Holgate (8); Iwobi (7), Doucoure (7), Gomes (5), Mykolenko (7); Gordon (6), Richarlison (8); Calvert-Lewin (8).
Bench: Alli (6), Kenny (6), Gray (7).
Crystal Palace: Butland (6); Clyne (5), Andersen (5), Guehi (6), Mitchell (6); Schlupp (6), Hughes (6), Eze (7); Ayew (7), Mateta (7), Zaha (6).
Bench: Gallagher (5), Millivojevic (5), Benteke (5).
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Crystal Palace
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
