Everton reinvigorates European hopes – Carlo Ancelotti is the resuscitator

Three goals scored by Ancelotti’s men, one in the first and two in the second half were enough to see out the Eagles only goal of the game.

The first came through Bernard who dedicated his 50th Premier League appearance with a majestic first-time finish. Following the goal, the whistle for the halftime break was blown and the players headed for the dressing rooms.

After the second half kicked off, Palace scored a scare through Christian Benteke, who also scored his first since April 2019 and was his first in 19 appearances for the London club. This was also Palace’s first shot of the game.

After the scary equalizer (which was foreseen as Everton find it difficult to keep a clean sheet) the home side took control of their home tie once again. Everton was not taking a point from this home encounter and less than a win would have been interpreted as incompetence.

They only waited another seven minutes before scoring the go-ahead, and who else but Richarlison came up with the goods. He capped off a ruthless counter-attacking move put together by the Toffees, fully exposing the ageing side Palace put out on the pitch.

The third and final goal, which was also the Crystal Palace finisher, came through the man Goodison can always count on, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The poacher put away his 11th for the season and secured Everton three points after the 88th minute.