Everton 1-0 Crystal Palace - Blue Review
Everton progress to the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, thanks to Andre Gomes' first half free kick.
A cagy affair at Goodison saw Everton narrowly progress to the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup, a fantastic free-kick by Andre Gomes enough to seal Everton’s home clash against Luton Town.
EVERTON: Joao Virginia (GK), Vitaly Mykolenko, James Tarkowski (C), Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson, Amadou Onana, James Garner, Andre Gomes (subbed off 77’), Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrsion, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (subbed off 87’).
CRYSTAL PALACE: Sam Johnstone (GK), Tyrick Mitchell (subbed off 64’), Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Nathaniel Clyne (subbed off 64’), Chris Richards, Jefferson Lerma (subbed off 71’), Jeffrey Schlupp, Will Hughes, Eberechi Eze (subbed off 64’), Odsonne Edouard (subbed off 71’).
As predicted, Joao Virginia kept his place in goal as his cup run goes on. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was still favoured by Sean Dyche, despite his poor run of form. Dwight McNeil took the place of Arnaut Danjuma with the dutchman unavailable.
A troublesome week for the Toffees, which is nothing new, as they await the punishment for the breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules. This was chance for Dyche’s men to deal with what they can on the pitch, and get a their first win after six games without a win.
With the takeover of 777 partners apparently imminent, Josh Wander and co were in the Goodison crowd after reportedly visiting the new ground on Bramley Moore-Dock.
Both sides had chances early on with Calvert-Lewin and Eberechi Eze, but both efforts were saved with relative ease by Johnstone and Virginia, respectively. Everton did break the deadlock when Andre Gomes who won the free-kick curled it round the wall, off the post and in to give the Toffees the lead - his second goal of the season.
Virginia was in fine form to keep Everton ahead, saving from Mitchell just after the Everton goal, and a late save from Schlupp in the second half from close range, despite the Eagles making all five changes they just could not break through due to the brilliance of Virginia and poor decision making.
Everton did have a chance to seal it in second half stoppage time the as McNeil broke with the ball squared it to Dobbin who tried a flick but did not pay off. Did not matter much as Everton won for the first time in 2024 and secured progression in the FA Cup.
Next up for the Toffees in the FA Cup is Luton Town at home who won their respective replay against Bolton, last night. But it is time for a recharge for Dyche’s men as they do not play until the 30th January when they visit Craven Cottage.
Match Facts
Goals: Andre Gomes 42’
Match Possession: EVE 51% - PAL 49%
Bookings: EVE Jack Harrison 49’, Dominic Calvert-Lewin 86’, Joao Virginia 87’ - PAL Jefferson Lerma 41’, Joachim Andersen 86’.
MOTM: Joao Virginia