Everton Hits Three Pass Crystal Palace
Manager Sam Allardyce believes Everton are “getting it right” at Goodison Park after a quick-fire start to the second half helped them beat Crystal Palace.
Allardyce faced criticism for what he labelled a “pathetic” display in a 5-1 defeat at Arsenal last time out but against the Eagles his side delivered a committed and controlled performance.
“I was apprehensive today after being done 5-1 away from home but the players have responded magnificently,” said Allardyce, 63.
“In the eight home games I have been here, we have picked up 17 points and conceded just four goals.
“We are getting it right, entertaining the fans and getting the result,” added Allardyce after his side earned only their second win in nine league games.
Everton edged a competitive first 45 minutes but nearly went behind in added time when Palace striker Christian Benteke headed the best chance of the half wide.
But they added end product to their endeavour after the break, with Gylfi Sigurdsson driving home via a deflection and Oumar Niasse guiding in a headed second less than six minutes after the break.
Benteke and debutant Alexander Sorloth each almost got Palace back into the game with headers but it was the home side who continued to dictate play and Tom Davies sealed the win from six yards.
Allardyce lost defenders Eliaquim Mangala and Seamus Coleman to injuries but even when Luka Milivojevic punished an Ashley Williams handball from the penalty spot, Palace never looked like creating a frantic finish.
The Eagles were simply bettered on Merseyside and now sit 14th, just two points above the relegation zone.
Oumar Niasse headed Everton’s second low into the corner from a Cuco Martina cross
Some Everton fans called for Allardyce to be sacked less than three months into the job after the defeat at Arsenal but this display offered the sort of desire that is more likely to strengthen his position.
Facing his former club, Allardyce’s impact at half-time was clear. He was seen demanding that his side get the ball forward more quickly shortly before the interval and their opening goal arrived when goalkeeper Jordan Pickford rushed to send a long ball upfield within a minute of the restart.
Niasse fought for the scraps – as Everton did all day – allowing Sigurdsson to drill home from 25 yards.
The timing of the goal was key as it prevented any frustration from home fans setting in and Sigurdsson now has 17 goals from outside the box since he arrived in the league in 2012 – more than any other player.
“It looked like Sigurdsson had a point to prove as he was left out last week,” said Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy.
“Sometimes he stayed wide and attacked the full-back, sometimes he came into the number 10 role. He grew in confidence. He’s calm around the box and I really like him.”