Everton snatched a vital point in their fight for survival as substitute Amadou Onana headed home an equaliser in the dying minutes against Crystal Palace. The visitors had taken the lead through a stunning strike from Jordan Ayew, but could not hold on to their advantage as the Toffees rallied late on.
Everton Under Pressure After Poor Run Of Form
Everton went into the game in the bottom three of the Premier League, having won only one of their previous 10 matches. Manager Sean Dyche was under increasing scrutiny after failing to turn around the fortunes of the club since taking over from Carlo Ancelotti in December. The fans were restless and demanded a positive performance and result from their team.
The hosts started brightly and created some decent chances in the first half, but were unable to find the breakthrough. Abdoulaye Doucoure, who returned from injury, volleyed just wide from the edge of the box, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed off target from a Dwight McNeil cross. Everton dominated possession and territory, but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Palace Punish Everton With Ayew’s Wonder Goal
Palace, who had announced earlier in the day that Roy Hodgson had stepped down as manager due to health reasons, were content to sit back and soak up the pressure. They offered little threat going forward, but showed their defensive resilience and organisation. Their only shot on target in the first half came from Odsonne Edouard, who fired straight at Jordan Pickford from a tight angle.
The visitors came to life in the second half and stunned Everton with a superb goal from Ayew in the 66th minute. The Ghanaian forward received the ball from Jean-Philippe Mateta on the right wing, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that flew into the top corner, leaving Pickford with no chance. It was a moment of individual brilliance that gave Palace the lead against the run of play.
Onana Rescues Everton With Late Equaliser
Everton were shell-shocked by the goal and struggled to respond. Dyche made some attacking substitutions, bringing on Jack Harrison, Beto and Onana, but the hosts looked short of ideas and confidence. Palace defended well and looked to hit Everton on the break, with Ayew and Edouard causing problems with their pace and movement.
However, Everton refused to give up and found a lifeline in the 84th minute. McNeil whipped in a corner from the left and Onana rose highest to nod the ball past Johnstone and into the net. It was the midfielder’s third goal of the season and a crucial one for Everton. The home fans erupted in relief and joy, while Palace were left to rue their missed opportunity.
The game ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the spoils. Everton moved out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while Palace remained in mid-table. It was a hard-fought and tense encounter, with both sides showing their fighting spirit and determination.
