Moyes Continues To Hit The Ground Running As Everton March On!

Everton managed to overcome another tough test against Crystal Palace, where goals from Beto and new signing Alcaraz gave the Toffees the three points in a 2-1 win on the south coast.

Going into the game, it was understood that there was a sense of unpredictability. Everton’s impressive recent form since the appointment of David Moyes as well as the positive impact Oliver Glasner has had on the Eagles as they currently sit in a comfortable mid-table position. Everton had the opportunity to end up with an equal number of points as their opposition, and here is how the game played out...

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Lineups:

Crystal Palace:

Henderson

Lacroix

Guehi

Richards

Mitchell

Lerma

Muñoz

Hughes

Sarr

Mateta

Devenny

Everton:

Pickford

Mykolenko

Branthwaite

Tarkowski

O’Brien

Gueye

Garner

Lindstrøm

Alcaraz

Harrison

Beto

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Throughout the first half, it would be clear to say Palace were the better side, sparking a bundle of changes, especially through the centre of the pitch, instead of down the flanks, causing issues for Everton holding midfielders James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

In the 19th minute of the first half, England’s number one, Jordan Pickford, was called into action, not for the first time since kickoff either, when Marc Guehi got on the end of a whipped cross into the Everton penalty area by French defender Maxence Lacroix. Guehi towered over the Everton defence, striking a header into the bottom left corner, causing Pickford to lay a strong palm on it before eventually heading out for a corner.

From the corner is where controversy struck. When James Devenny, the second goal scorer in Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup Fourth Round, crossed an inswinging cross onto the head of Jefferson Lerma, he nodded it home, giving the Eagles the lead. However, the linesman just in front of the 2,687 travelling Evertonians was quick to cancel the goal due to the ball exiting the field of play. After a lengthy VAR check, the officials came to the conclusion that there was no concrete evidence to prove the ball actually left the pitch and instead decided to stick with the linesman’s prior decision; therefore, the goal was disallowed.

Not long later, there was a huge change for Palace that should have definitely been converted. As Eagles’ defender Chris Richards carried the ball, driving forward, the American international managed to scurry past five Everton players, winning every duel within such a small amount of time, before laying it off to Jean Phillip Mateta, who flicked it on to Ismailia Sarr, who was just outside the six-yard box with only Pickford to beat. Whilst losing balance, there was a moment of desperation for the Senegalese winger who lashed at the ball, smashing the crossbar! A huge chance for Palace to go ahead, but unfortunately for Oliver Glasner and his players, it would soon come back to hurt them.

Completely against the run of play, Everton managed to get ahead at the halftime stage. A poor throw-in by Tyrick Mitchell meant the Toffees had the opportunity to perform a counterattack. Carlos Alcaraz intercepted the throw-in, driving forward with Beto to his left-hand side, making space to stretch Colombian defender Daniel Muñoz up against the two Toffees. Whilst the Portuguese striker drove into the penalty area, Alcaraz played a pinpoint through ball into the path of Beto, who chipped it between Dean Henderson, who attempted to stretch out to block the shot, and Muñoz in the midst of a lunging slide tackle, giving the Toffees the lead on the brink of half time.

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Beto Stats Since Appointment of David Moyes:

Appearances: 5

Goals: 4

Assists: 0

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Everton’s advantage didn’t last very long. Only two minutes into the second half, Marc Guehi played a no-look pass over his shoulder following a corner to keep the pressure on the Blues brewing. Luckily for Crystal Palace, Mateta played his run to perfection, breaking the offside line before waiting for the ball to drop and half-volleying the ball past the Holmesdale Road Stand goal, equalising for the Eagles.

Both teams continued to create chances, and with a possible claim of handball came Everton’s second goal of the match.

A high cross by Jack Harrison, on loan from Leeds United, towards the back post was met by Jake O’Brien, who attempted to head it back across the face of goal. During this, the ball struck the arm of a mid-air Ben Chilwell. As claims emerged from both Everton fans and players, the ball fell to Ashley Young, who had a shot blocked by Will Hughes, falling out to Carlos Alcaraz within the penalty area. Although moments before, Alcaraz appeared to be claiming the penalty shout with some intensity, the Argentinian midfielder took a shot with such calmness, guiding the ball into the top left-hand corner, leaving Dean Henderson with no chance, celebrating in front of the Everton away fans with the iconic “Sui” celebration.

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Alcaraz Match Stats:

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Accurate Passes: 83%

Shot Accuracy: 75%

Recoveries: 3

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Everton now had something to hold onto, although it seemed a tough job. The six minutes of additional time didn’t help Moyes’ side either, as there was apparent stress and urgency. At frequent intervals, Palace was in Everton’s penalty area for over 20 seconds. However, the Blues’ tall and disciplined defence and overall team setup meant the Toffees were able to get over the line, claiming all three points away in a tough occasion.

Since David Moyes’ appointment, no other team has achieved more points in the Premier League, as Moyes has achieved 14 points out of a possible 18. A simply remarkable turnaround, and perhaps an opportunity to continue this amazing recent form further, as next week Everton host Manchester United, who will be without Diallo and Mainoo after both being confirmed that they will be out for an extended period of time.

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Gameweek 25:

Friday 14th February:

Brighton 3-0 Chelsea

Saturday 15th February:

Leicester 0-2 Arsenal

Aston Villa 1-1 Ipswich Town

Fulham 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle

Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth

West Ham 0-1 Brentford

Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton

Sunday 16th February:

Liverpool 14:00 Wolves

Spurs 16:30 Manchester United

Wednesday 17th February:

Aston Villa 19:30 Liverpool

(LFC double gameweek)

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Thank you for reading my post-match article!