Premier League Review – Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace

Match Facts

• Date – 7th December 2015
• Venue – Goodison Park
• Attendance – 35,736
• Referee – Craig Pawson
• Bookings – Wickham (53), McArthur (87), Funes Mori (88)
• Goals – Dann (76), Lakaku (81)
• Star Eagle – Scott Dann (8.2)

Match Review

Palace returned from Goodison Park with a point after Romelu Lakaku’s fiftieth goal for Everton pegged back the Eagles after Scott Dann’s opener.

It was a credible draw for Alan Pardew’s side, as they were facing an in-form Everton who had scored fourteen goals in their last four league games. However, as we know Palace are one of the best teams playing away from home since Pardew took over in January, accruing thirty points on the road. Only Arsenal have done better with thirty-five.

With the suspension of Wilfried Zaha following his yellow card against Newcastle for diving, Pardew opted to bring in Mile Jedinak for his first start of the season, which allowed Yohan Cabaye to play further forward behind Connor Wickham.

Everton lined up with a potent attack. Belgian striker Lukaku was at the head supported by Arouna Kone, Ross Barkley, and the skilful and wonderfully talented Gerard Deulofeu.

The first half was void of any real chances, but Lakaku did hit the post with a curling effort, but both sides were sussing each other out. Spaniard Deulofeu was a constant menace to Pape Souare, the former Barcelona graduate produced some silky skills and always had the beating of the Senegalese international.

Palace looked lively on the counter-attack, but did not really threaten Tim Howard’s goal enough to warrant going a goal up at half-time apart from a close range effort by Connor Wickham which was well saved by American goalkeeper Tim Howard.

After the interval Everton came out of the blocks the quickest and for the majority of the half had Palace penned in. Like the first half they had two efforts which could have resulted in a goal, first Wayne Hennessey pulled out a fantastic save to deny the hosts, and then the crossbar came to the rescue.

Tom Cleverley probably thought he had scored when the ball set up nicely for him just outside the area. His stinging volley was goal bound, but the flying Welshman managed to get fingertips on the ball and divert it away for a corner. Shortly afterwards Lakaku hit a thunderbolt which beat Hennessey this time, but the crossbar was in the right place for Palace.

It looked as though Palace would do a smash and grab when Scott Dann scored on Merseyside with another header. A corner was floated in, and Dann rose highest to nod in.

Unfortunately, Palace could not weather the storm, and shortly going ahead Lakaku got his goal that his play merited. It was probably one of the easiest goals he will score, but it was poor defending on Palace’s part on an otherwise good rear guard action.

The point moves Palace up to sixth in the Premier League, and with Southampton to visit Selhurst Park on Saturday, Palace’s season is once again gathering pace.

Player Ratings (courtesy of Who Scored)

• Wayne Hennessey (6.6) – The Welshman pulled off a marvellous save in the second half to keep the score level and is really beginning to cement his place as the number one keeper.
• Joel Ward (7.1) – Ward defended well and on occasions attacked well but was guilty of giving the ball away at times. Overall dealt with the threat of Kone well.
• Scott Dann (8.2) – Another goal on Merseyside, the man just loves playing in that part of the country, once again he was composed on the ball, and together with Delaney helped subdue Lakaku.
• Damien Delaney (7.6) – It was another reliable performance, what he lacks in technical ability he makes up for it with heart. The battle with Lakaku was an enjoyable watch.
• Pape Souare (6.8) – The Frenchman had a tough time keeping Deulofeu quiet, the Spanish winger was on superb form. Souare will have better days, that is for sure.
• James McArthur (6.6) – Again, dependable in the middle of the park, ran his socks off, and with Jedinak they helped contain the threat of Barkley.
• Yohan Cabaye (6.8) –  With the inclusion of Jedinak it allowed Cabaye to push further forward. Did not really influence the game, but his ball retention at times was vital in relieving some of the pressure. Replaced by Jordan Mutch (6.9) on 77 minutes and produced a pleasing in which he could have had a penalty and a goal if he had got his wayward shot right.
• Jason Puncheon (7.9) – He lacks defensive qualities allowing people to drift past him too easily, but he is a vital component of our attacking play. He has not hit top form yet this year, but he got the assist for the goal.
• Mile Jedinak (7.7) – For his first start of the season he was very good in the middle of the park, he gave us that physical presence, containing Barkley well.
• Yannick Bolasie (7.0) – Another lively performance from Bolasie, with Zaha missing, the onus was on him to create moments at the top end of the field, and he did that.
• Connor Wickham (7.2) – After coming back from injury, he has played well. His hold up play is something the side has lacked. Replaced by Dwight Gayle (6.7) on 77 minutes in a welcome return from injury, and if the right ball was played could have scored a winner for us. But he and Souare were at fault for Everton’s equaliser out wide but nonetheless, it is good to have him back and could prove useful with Wickham.

Unused substitutes – Julian Speroni, Martin Kelly, Patrick Bamford, Frazier Campbell, Marouane Chamakh

Match Statistics

The Who Scored man of the match was Palace centre back and goalscorer Scott Dann (8.2). Ross Barkley (5) had the most shots while Seamus Coleman (7) managed the most tackles. Gerard Deulofeu (4) had the most dribbles.

• Team rating: 7.06 – 7.10
• Total shots: 19 – 14
• Shots on target: 4 – 5
• Possession: 59.5% – 40.5%
• Pass success: 83 – 76
• Dribbles: 14 – 13
• Tackles: 24 – 25
• Corners: 13 – 6
• Dispossessed: 16 – 10

Premier League Table