TRICK AS FEARS OF DROP GROW
tackles and fired in shots others keepers might not have been able to save.
Everton also had a defence that had all the answers to Christian Benteke and Loic Remy, one of the rare games in which Allardyce has ever played a two-man attack.
The Toffees played the quality football, Palace gave it their all. It was not good enough.
Swansea’s win at Anfield earlier in the day meant Palace started the game in the bottom three and they needed salvation.
It almost came in the ninth minute when Benteke headed James McArthur’s cross against the crossbar.
Sadly, Palace fans had to wait until the 74th minute for the next one, a header from Scott Dann turned away by Everton keeper Joel Robles diving to his right.
Allardyce knows this transfer window is vital to both him and the club.
He has endured two relegation fights and the sack over the last nine months but is still coming out fighting. Allardyce said: “I refuse to press the panic button. Just because we are in the bottom three there is no pressure.
“It’s the games we win from now on that matters. Everton beat City 4-0 last week and they were lucky to beat us. That says a lot about us. The spirit is there. I hope to buy before the window closes and tomorrow I could be linked with 100 players.
“We have had rejections from some who don’t want the fight and others that we, in the end, were not sure of. We will only buy players who can make us better.
Delighted Everton manager Ronald Koeman said: “This was more difficult than beating Manchester City last week.
“People expected so much of us after that but we responded well. It was fantastic.
“If Benteke had taken his chance early for Palace it might have been different but after that we were in control, winning second balls, very committed, driving forward and if it wasn’t for their keeper we would have done better. He was outstanding.
“Our win was fully deserved. Our project is progressing. It is also nice we have someone like our new signing Morgan Schneiderlin to come into the equation. Our youngsters did so well last week I felt it would be wrong to change things but he’s going to be an asset.
“I also thought the referee got it right. Schlupp was off the field, then crawled back on as we scored. He took the right decision.”
There was also another fine cameo role from Everton’s latest starlet Tom Davies, who spread passes wide, was eager to be in the action and reminded old-timers of Tony Currie, another with pads down and wonderful skills.
It was Davies who inspired the 87th-minute breakthrough, passing wide as the minutes ticked away for Coleman to rifle a shot from a difficult angle.
Justice was done. For Palace it is more head-scratching.