Everton has shown Rayo Vallecano that Crystal Palace is far from unbeatable. David Moyes’ side delivered a masterclass in how to play against Oliver Glasner’s Palace. The Toffees were far more efficient than the Eagles, who love to keep the ball and attempt to play with composure, but left themselves exposed to Everton’s effectiveness and counterattacks—a team still dreaming of European football.
Everton took the lead early. After just six minutes, James Tarkowski headed home from a corner to beat Dean Henderson. Still recovering from their Conference League exploits, the hosts struggled to get into the game initially. They eventually found their rhythm by dominating possession and unleashing their considerable attacking firepower. Sarr, Larsen, Brennan Johnson, and later Mateta possess plenty of goal-scoring threat, though when they’re not clinical in front of goal—as seen against Everton—they become more vulnerable.
Palace’s attacking wave is among the best in the Premier League. They inject immense pace in the final third. During one of their numerous raids, Ismaila Sarr managed to beat Jordan Pickford and level the score at 1-1. Everton, well-drilled defensively, proved a tough nut for Palace to crack. It was a fascinating power-versus-power battle.
The second half began just like the first, with Everton striking first. Beto exploited another gap in the London side’s defense to beat a struggling Henderson. Iñigo Pérez and his coaching staff should take note of Palace’s weaknesses. They often throw men forward in attack, leaving their defense exposed. Everton could have sealed the win but failed to do so… Then Mateta, Palace’s powerful French striker, stepped up to score the final 2-2 equalizer, easing some of the pressure on Palace’s league position.
In the closing stages, the Conference League finalists pushed for all three points, and Mateta came close to scoring again. In that end-to-end action, Ndiaye also missed a chance against Henderson. Points shared, but the strong feeling at Selhurst Park is that the “Rayo de Londres” (Rayo Vallecano’s European opponent) still have plenty to say in the upcoming clash with the Eagles.
Crystal Palace: Dean Henderson (5); Maxence Lacroix (23), Jaydee Canvot (26), Chris Richards (20); Adam Wharton (18), Daichi Kamada (3), Tyrick Mitchell (2), Daniel Muñoz (11); Brennan Johnson (18) (79′ Jefferson Lerma), Jorgen Strand Larsen (22) (64′ Jean-Philippe Mateta), Ismaila Sarr (7). Substitutes: Will Hughes, Chadi Riad, Clyne, Walter Benitez, Justin Devenny, Yeremy Pino, Rio Cardines.
Everton: Jordan Pickford (1); Michael Keane (5), Jake O’Brien (15), Mykolenko (16); James Tarkowski (6), Tim Iroegbunam (42), Iliman Ndiaye (10), Merlin Röhl (34) (79′ Tyrique George), Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (22) (93′ Charly Alcaraz), James Garner (37); Beto (9) (69′ Thierno Barry). Substitutes: Coleman, Patterson, Dwight McNeil, Harrison Armstrong, Mark Travers, Tyler Dibling.
Goals: 0-1, 5′: James Tarkowski. 1-1, 37′: Ismaila Sarr. 1-2, 47′: Beto. 2-2, 74′: Jean-Philippe Mateta.
