Everton edge past Palace to continue momentum
Crystal Palace 1 - 2 Everton
After snatching a dramatic late draw against Liverpool thanks to James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser on Wednesday, Everton arrived in south London full of confidence.
Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, they took the lead against the run of play when Beto struck just before the break, punishing Crystal Palace for a series of missed chances—including a disallowed Jefferson Lerma header.
Palace hit back early in the second half through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who netted his 11th Premier League goal of the season. But with 10 minutes to go, Carlos Alcaraz, on loan from Flamengo, fired home the winner to secure a vital three points for the Toffees.
The result lifts David Moyes’ side up to 13th in the table on 30 points, 13 clear of the relegation zone. They are now level with 12th-placed Palace, who sit just ahead on goal difference.
A closer look at what happened
The home side started brightly, with Mateta muscling his way through Everton’s defence inside six minutes, only to fire straight at Jordan Pickford.
Marc Guehi forced a sharp save from Pickford in the 19th minute, and moments later, Lerma’s header found the top corner—only for it to be ruled out after the officials deemed the ball had curled out of play from Justin Devenny’s corner. With no clear evidence to overturn the decision, VAR upheld the call.
A fantastic atmosphere at Palace v Everton last night. Highlights here - youtu.be/hdHsEoJu8t0?... eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com/p/premier-le...
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 16 February 2025 at 12:31
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Palace continued to threaten, with Ismaila Sarr rattling the crossbar after a surging run from Chris Richards. But Everton made them pay for their profligacy, as a loose throw-in from Tyrick Mitchell fell straight to Alcaraz, who set up Beto for a simple finish.
The hosts responded quickly after the break, as Guehi’s hooked pass found Mateta, who finished coolly. A tense VAR check followed, but the goal stood.
As the game opened up, Jesper Lindstrom tested Dean Henderson, but Everton had the final say. Ashley Young’s shot deflected off Will Hughes, and Alcaraz reacted quickest to slot home the winner.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
Last time out | Everton 2 - 2 Liverpool
The Moyes revival continues
Since David Moyes returned to Everton, the team’s form has been exceptional. This victory over Palace brought their total to 13 points from six matches under Moyes.
In this stretch, only Arsenal has matched that point total, while Everton has gained three more points than their Merseyside rivals and league leaders Liverpool.
Before Moyes' return, the Toffees only managed three league wins in 19 Premier League matches, but they have already secured four victories since he took charge.
