What we learned from Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Everton
(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)If the result against Manchester City was the hammer blow to Everton’s morale, then Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace was probably the start of the nail g...
What we learned from Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Everton (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) If the result against Manchester City was the hammer blow to Everton’s morale, then Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace was probably the start of the nail going into the coffin when it comes to the Toffees’ European ambitions for next season. There’s still a chance, ever so slight, heading into the last two games, but it does look like it’ll be a disappointing end to a season of progression, but one that could result in some bitter taste in the mouth. Here’s what we learned...
Wharton shows Everton what they are missing I don’t think either team played particularly well at Selhurst Park. Then again, I don’t think either team were awful. There’s a paradox for you.
What it was, was a match featuring two teams who are not fantastic in possession. Oliver Glasner’s team do not thrive on the ball, so if Evertonians think the Austrian could make the ideal candidate to come in and replace Moyes this summer, just a word of warning — don’t suddenly expect the team to be hugely better in possession. But what Palace do have, that Everton lacked, is a player capable of making everything tick in the middle of the park.
James Garner played well enough, but he is not the metronomic presence that Adam Wharton can be, and he was at his best, completing 52/63 passes, creating two chances and hitting the woodwork late on. In a game of panic, Wharton felt like the only cool head, and that is where Everton must look to improve in the summer. Moyes needs to act (But will he?