Everton and Crystal Palace played a tight FA Cup third-round match which ended in a goalless draw at Selhurst Park. The match was affected by challenging weather conditions. Both teams showed great resilience, and the game had pivotal moments. The match will now need to be replayed.
Match Summary
The drama unfolded as Everton found themselves reduced to ten men in the 79th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a red card for a challenge. The encounter began under a relentless south London downpour, contributing to a largely uneventful first half with only one shot on target for Everton and none for the hosts.
Second Half Developments
Despite the extra-man advantage, Crystal Palace couldn’t capitalize during nine minutes of stoppage time. The intensity of the game increased as Dwight McNeil suffered a lower-leg injury, leading to his exit on a stretcher. Both teams, managed by Sean Dyche and Roy Hodgson, fielded strong line-ups with strategic player changes.
Player Line-ups and Changes
The match saw three changes for Everton and two enforced swaps for Palace, with Jordan Ayew already departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Notably, Matheus Franca, a teenage summer signing, made his long-awaited first start for Palace in place of the injured Michael Olise.
Key Moments and Chances
Early attempts from Jeffrey Schlupp and Arnaut Danjuma set the tone for the game. Franca’s free-kick opportunity went wasted, and Jefferson Lerma missed a chance just before halftime. Despite Everton enjoying a spell in the Eagles’ final third after the break, it was Palace who had the better chances, saved by Everton’s goalkeeper Joao Virginia.
Turning Point: Calvert-Lewin Red Card
The game took a decisive turn when Nathaniel Clyne suffered an injury following a tackle by Calvert-Lewin. Referee Chris Kavanagh consulted the pitchside monitor and deemed the contact enough to dismiss the striker, leaving Everton with ten men.
Injury Woes for Palace
Palace’s injury concerns deepened as McNeil was forced off with a lower-leg injury, adding to Hodgson’s woes. Late changes were made, but none were able to make the impact needed for the home side.
Conclusion
The match of Everton and Crystal Palace concluded in a goalless draw, prompting the need for a replay. Hodgson’s injury-hit squad faced significant challenges throughout the game. The upcoming rematch promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams as they vie for progression in the FA Cup.
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