Everton charge into European contention with Palace win
LONDON: Everton should be targeting Europa League football next season, said manager Carlo Ancelo i a er the Toffees renaissance continued with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
At the other end of the table, Brighton and Watford did li le to boost their chances of beating the drop in a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium.
Goals from Bernard, Richarlison and Dominic CalvertLewin at Goodison li ed Everton up to seventh and within five points of the top four.
Everton have now won five and drawn two of eight league games since Ancelo i took charge in December.
“Since I arrived the team did a fantastic job,” Ancelo i told BT Sport. “Now we have a possibility to think about Europa League.”
By contrast, Palace are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone.
Roy Hodgson’s men still have a six-point lead over the bo om three, but have not won in eight games and just once in the league since early December.
“I can’t fault the players’ effort, but it’s another defeat and another we go home without points,” said Hodgson.
Bernard gave the hosts a deserved first half lead with a thumping finish from Theo Walco ’s cross to the back post.
However, Palace were gi ed a route back into the game six minutes into the second half thanks to another error from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The England number one’s place at Euro 2020 is under debate and he let Christian Benteke’s shot slip underneath his body as the Belgian striker scored his first goal of the season.
“Disgusting. I was disappointed with myself,” said Pickford, who later made amends with a fine save to preserve Everton’s 2-1 lead.
Richarlison magic
Just as Everton were wobbling, though, a moment of magic from Richarlison swung the game back in their favour seven minutes later.
The Brazilian stormed onto Calvert-Lewin’s flick-on to carry the ball from just inside the Palace half and past Gary Cahill before placing his shot into the far corner.
The same two players were involved when Everton sealed the points two minutes from time as Richarlison’s header from a corner came off the bar and Calvert-Lewin turned home his 13th goal of the season.
Watford remain in the bo om three a er blowing a lead for the third game in succession. — AFP