Match Thread Everton v Crystal Palace - Preview, Match Report and MotM Poll

[TheBigIguana]

For the most part I thought we played well. The players who struggled were mostly the players on the flanks. Walcott was decent but didn't take his chance. Coleman and Digne both struggled to support the attack and had a bad moment defensively. Seamus was a bit worse and his refusal to recycle possession and instead force it forward is frustrating. It didn't happen for Bernard. I thought he forced things instead of going at what was available.

Otherwise I thought we played well. Gylfi has become massively important and he did very well once again. Richarlison battled well but didn't quite have the service. He should have had a penalty when Tomkins wrapped him up. Gomes was decent but he really allowed Gueye to do his thing and he was excellent. I will never understand the people who want him replaced. Center backs both did most the time, though Keane allowed a few too many hoofs to be headed down by Palace. Pickford was good beyond the penalty save with his positioning and sweeping up. A lot of good stuff to build on but we need to fix the sloppiness in the final third so we don't rely on late winners.

The subs were spot on and all had a huge impact. That's great to see for competition purposes. Bernard was poor enough today that I might consider starting Lookman at United but I prefer DCL and Tosun stay in the super sub roles for now.

 

[kev]

Gave my vote to Gana for full on commitment after a yellow card that might have played on the mind of most.
If the option was available I would have voted Marco Silva. What a change to see positive substitutions and an obvious (and much needed) will to win the game.

 

[TyphooToffee]

Don't worry, he was back to being dreary in his very next post.

I was worried someone had hacked Dave's account

 

[jerseytoffee]

Tough game with them sitting back, previous seasons we would have lost that, the penalty scored and we wouldn't be able to get back in it.

A game changing save from Pickford, but Gana and Keane were very good for me with Gana edging it for motm

 

[jaycee]

Gana MOTM for me,was everywhere today breaking play up,keeping the ball moving and looking for forward passes,even after the booking didnt hide

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

Why?

If you know your history.

Because on the off-chance we find a regular 20 goal a season striker (there are usually 3-4 of these a season in the Premier League - there have been seasons where there's NONE), there is ZERO chance we'll find 2 of them (there's been 1 season in the last decade where 1 team had more than 1 20 goal a season striker), and we need more than one striker in the squad.

 

[Eggs]

Sighs deeply. Well in lids.

The NFL was top btw.

..could easily have got something out of that today, Matey. Failing to take your chances was key.

 

[Steve0]

Keane looking like a bargain for £25m these days.

 

[Alan Whittle]

..could easily have got something out of that today, Matey. Failing to take your chances was key.

OH NO!!! And we're usually so clinical!lol

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Happy enough with that

Palace are an alright side

Great from Pickford to save the penalty

Silva got the subs spot on

 

[ToffeeTim]

OH NO!!! And we're usually so clinical!lol

Zaha and the right back are terrific players.

Palace need a striker but they won't be in danger at the bottom, at least 5 worse teams.

 

[Mosh Pit]

Gomes was the reason why he looked so good today; in fact I can't remember as impressive a debut from an Everton player since Coleman's. Everything was done simply, very few mistakes, just kept the ball and used it intelligently.

 

[Alan Whittle]

Zaha and the right back are terrific players.

Palace need a striker but they won't be in danger at the bottom, at least 5 worse teams.

Is about where I am.

 

[deipnosophist]

Pete Andre was my MOTM...his penalty save turned the game

 

[blueconverse]

Gomes looks fast for a big lad. Boss at bringing it out. Perfect partner for gana