Everton 2-3 Crystal Palace
- 21 September 2014
- Goodison Park
- Attendance – 37,574
- Referee – Michael Oliver
- Goals – Lukaku, Jedinak (pen), Campbell, Bolasie, Baines (pen)
- Bookings – Eto’o, Naismith, Speroni, Puncheon
- TEB Palace player of the match – Mile Jedinak
A third tough away trip in the opening five games of the season for Palace with recent form against the Toffeemen being good.
The hosts had played Wolfsburg in the Europa League earlier in the week and while it was not being said by Warnock and his staff, it was something that Palace would be aiming to take advantage of.
An hour before kick off, the usual announcement of the line up was greeted by much criticism by fans on social media. More so this time around as Warnock chose to bench both Dwight Gayle and Wilf Zaha in favour of Joe Ledley and Yannick Bolasie. It was not so much the introduction of those two players, more that Frazier Campbell was starting ahead of fans favourite Gayle.
In truth, there are games that are more suited to some players than others and while neither Campbell or Gayle shone at home to Burnley in the previous game, this was arguably a game that called for the more experienced Campbell.
The first half was poor from a Palace perspective. An early goal from Lukaku who ran on to a nice through ball from Leon Osman to get past a struggling Delaney and fire low past Speroni. The reaction to going a goal behind was more of shock as Everton continued to dominate. Then the turning point. A moment of madness from Tim Howard in the Everton goal with a rash challenge on James McArthur in the area. Penalty. Captain Mile Jedinak stepped up and fired home confidently in an effort to make up for conceding one against Burnley the week before. Palace were back in it somehow.
The half ended with Bolasie in great form, taunting John Stones and hitting the crossbar with a deflected shot. That was the warning to the home side which they simply did not heed as the second half showed what confidence a goal from nowhere can do for a team. A significant difference, Bolasie starring out wide and ably supported by a strong midfield trio of Jedinak, McArthur and the returning Ledley.
Everton were struggling to get anything going, the Palace defence stood firm and the visitors took full advantage. A deep cross from out wide from Martin Kelly fell invitingly onto the head on Campbell who was visibly flinching at the expected challenge from Howard. It simply was not there and Campbell got enough on the ball for it to loop over keeper and defender and put Palace into a 2-1 lead. It was a real case of deja-vu for the home fans.
It got even better and just reward for the efforts of Bolasie as Puncheon picked up the ball from a hesitant Everton midfield. The ball fell to Bolasie who slid it past Howard and in to the far corner with the confidence of a natural goal scorer, not one that was scoring his first Premier League goal. The celebration was more akin to the latter.
The Palace defence grew in stature as they knew a storm was building. Everton were given a lifeline as Scott Dann left a leg hanging just enough for it to be taken advantage of and concede a penalty. Speroni was not close to this one, the spot kick was put away nicely by Leighton Baines.
It was to be a real flurry of activity and pressure but Palace held firm to secure a fantastic three points and the first win of the season. Three games under Warnock and unbeaten. Who needs a certain Mr Pulis anyway.
Player Ratings
Julian Speroni (6.2) – He just does what it says on the tin. Rarely flappable and got in the way of everything Everton threw at him. Ably supported by his back line with last ditch blocks and tackles. Made some crucial saves.
Martin Kelly (8.0) – Good to see him back in the starting line up and he performed well at right back both pushing forward and defending. Managed an assist for the second goal with a fantastic pin point cross from out wide.
Scott Dann (6.8) – Conceded the penalty but forming a strong centre back partnership with Delaney, the best at the club at the moment. Influential in the back line, always organising.
Damien Delaney (7.0) – Caught out by Lukaku for the opening goal if being overly critical but another fine display at the centre of the defence for the big Irishman.
Joel Ward (6.4) – Efficient performance and did very little wrong, stood firm when required to do so with the heavy pressure the home side were mounting late on. You would never guess he is playing out of position.
Jason Puncheon (7.5) – Another player who was simply in the mood for this one and was instrumental out on the right. Stole the ball to set up the goal for Bolasie and always involved in attacking moves.
James McArthur (7.2) – Another fine performance in the heart of the midfield alongside Jedinak and looks to have been part of the team for more than two games. Replaced by Adlene Guedioura (6.4) with less than ten minutes to go and slotted in well in the latter stages. A great run almost grabbed a fourth.
Mile Jedinak (8.1) – Made amends for his poor performance against Burnley with a goal and a captains display in the centre of the park. Always breaking up play across the midfield.
Joe Ledley (6.9) – A welcome return to the first eleven for the Welshman and formed an incredible barrier across the midfield alongside Jedinak and McArthur.
Yannick Bolasie (7.2) – He was in the mood and tormented the Everton defence throughout by doing what he does best, running at them. Fully deserved his goal and that celebration was something else. Replaced by Zeki Fryers (6.0) for his debut with only a few minutes remaining to help shore up the backline.
Frazier Campbell (7.5) – He did what we have come to expect from him since joining Palace, battled hard throughout and chased down lost causes. Scored the second goal which justified his inclusion. Replaced by Kevin Doyle (6.3) with minutes to go who made an impression with his hold up play when it was needed.
Match Stats
- Shots – Palace 10 Everton 17
- Shots on target – Palace 3 Everton
- Possession – Palace 24% Everton 76%
- Pass success – Palace 64% Everton 89%
- Aerial success – Palace 48% Everton 52%
- Dribbles – Palace 8 Everton 10
- Tackles – Palace 18 Everton 18
- Top rated – Jedinak (8.1)
- Top shots – Lukaku (6)
- Top tackles – Jedinak (5)
- Top dribbles – Baines (3)
All of the statistics and ratings included in this article have been supplied by Who Scored.