Everton's European aspirations suffered a significant blow as Jean-Philippe Mateta's second-half equaliser secured a 2-2 draw for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. David Moyes's side, who had twice taken the lead through James Tarkowski and Beto, were unable to hold on as Mateta struck with 15 minutes remaining.
Match Summary
The result leaves Everton's hopes of qualifying for Europe next season in jeopardy, having failed to win for a fourth consecutive game after taking the lead. Palace, meanwhile, ensured their Premier League status for a 14th successive season, with the point combined with West Ham's defeat against Arsenal guaranteeing their top-flight survival.
It could have been even worse for Everton had Adam Wharton's shot not struck the post in the 90th minute. In a frantic finish, Dean Henderson denied Iliman Ndiaye before Mateta missed a golden chance to win it for Oliver Glasner's side.
Moyes Disappointed
"Good sides have to do the business at this time of the season. If you really want to be in it, then you've got to get wins," said a disappointed Moyes. "That's why we see the big teams learn to deal with the pressure and winning games. The facts are there to show it. But the facts would also say that we've probably not been able to handle bits of it. We have to try and do that better but we've not been in this position for a long time."
Set-Piece Woes Continue for Palace
Palace's vulnerability from set pieces was again exposed as Tarkowski was left unmarked at the back post to convert Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's deflected delivery. It was the 18th set-piece goal Palace have conceded in the Premier League this season, more than any other team.
Jordan Pickford, watched by England manager Thomas Tuchel, made an excellent save to deny Maxence Lacroix before Ndiaye squandered a chance to double Everton's lead. The Senegal forward was made to regret that miss when his compatriot Ismaïla Sarr slammed home the equaliser after his initial shot was blocked by Michael Keane.
Controversial Moments
There were flashpoints between the benches after Tarkowski escaped punishment for a foul on Sarr, while James Garner appeared to push Jørgen Strand Larsen inside the area without conceding a penalty. Glasner felt it did not warrant a spot-kick.
Everton regained the lead through a fortunate goal when Tarkowski's clearance looped perfectly into the path of Beto, who turned inside Lacroix before beating Henderson with a nutmeg.
Mateta's Impact
The introduction of Mateta from the bench with 25 minutes to play gave Palace renewed impetus. Sarr was inches away from diverting Wharton's cross past Pickford for his second before Tyrick Mitchell's clever cross teed up the France striker to score the equaliser, leaving Everton to rue their mistakes.
"In the end it felt like Everton had played three days ago because we looked fresher," said Glasner. "Everyone has the belief that we can get it done and we will need this until we play the Conference League final on 27 May."
Everton fielded the same team from their thrilling draw against Manchester City, when they set an unwanted record of conceding stoppage-time goals in three successive matches. This result extended their unbeaten run against Palace to 11 matches, but they must now rely on other teams dropping points to keep their European dream alive.
