Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win against Everton – Will Hughes restores midfield harmony and allows Conor Gallagher to shine

A double from Conor Gallagher and James Tomkins’ first goal of the season ended Crystal Palace’s unbeaten run and secured their fourth victory of the Premier League campaign.

Patrick Vieira made three changes to the side that lost 1-0 to Manchester United last weekend – Will Hughes, Odsonne Edouard and Joel Ward came in for Jeffrey Schlupp, Christian Benteke and Nathaniel Clyne.

Here are Edmund Brack’s four takeaways from Selhurst Park

WILL HUGHES RESTORES HARMONY ON HIS FIRST START

Will Hughes showed in the initial 10 minutes of his first start for the Eagles why there has been a clamour from fans to see the £6million arrival from Watford fill the void left in James McArthur’s absence.

Hughes wasn’t afraid to dictate the tempo and always attempted to play forward, produced a purring performance that restored harmony to Crystal Palace’s midfield.

Along with his ability to break up Everton’s advances in the centre of the pitch, he unlocked Conor Gallagher to drive forward and join the attacking phase of play – something the team had been crying out for in recent weeks.

Hughes appeared comfortable and at ease in a trio alongside Gallagher and Cheikhou Kouyate – it was the perfect counterbalance that the Eagles had missed.

The 26-year-old was rewarded for his excellent performance when he whipped a tantalising corner into the box and found James Tomkins at the back post in the 62nd minute.

He received a standing ovation from the Palace faithful when he was replaced by Schlupp with just over 15 minutes remaining.

JORDAN AYEW DOES EVERYTHING RIGHT – MAYBE THE ELUSIVE GOAL DOESN’T MATTER?

While it’s now 44 games without a goal for Ayew, his work ethic, desire to defend and determination to drag the ball away from his own half are all highly valuable assets to the side.

You can never fault his attitude, his ability to win clever free-kicks when under pressure or his persistence to play for the team, even when his own accolades in front of goal are currently missing.

Ayew had his chances to score and end his goal drought, but he’s not that type of player anymore – Palace can’t rely on him to produce goals consistently.

However, the sheer brilliance of his work ethic sees him remain a mainstay and valued member of the side.

Ayew recorded the most key passes on Sunday (three), was Palace’s most fouled player and carried the ball 237 yards up the pitch during the 90 minutes.

CONOR GALLAGHER WAS AT HIS VERY BEST

Many Crystal Palace fans will shudder at the thought of knowing Conor Gallagher is nearly halfway through his season-long loan with the club.

The 21-year-old Chelsea loanee was at his very best on Sunday afternoon – only misplacing three passes, creating three chances, taking seven shots and completing 71 touches.

When he is handed the freedom to drive forward and turn Palace’s front three into an attacking quartet, it is a pleasure to watch Gallagher’s confidence and quickness of feet to jink his way past defenders and expertly find a route to goal.

The Epsom-born midfielder, now Palace’s top scorer for the season with six, flashed a well-taken first-time shot past Pickford to open the scoring on Sunday.

His second goal personified everything that the tenacious midfielder has stored in his armoury.

After being determined to win the ball back from an Everton free-kick in added time, Gallagher took one sight of goal and spectacularly whipped a pinpoint shot from outside the area into the top-right hand corner of Pickford’s goal.

Palace are a completely different side when Gallagher is free of any defensive shackles and can press with the forward unit.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE JOEL WARD AND MARC GUEHI’S IMPORTANCE TO THE WIN

Joel Ward recorded the most touches (84) and passes (75) of any Crystal Palace player on Sunday.

In the absence of Joachim Andersen – Palace’s most comfortable defender with the ball at his feet – Joel Ward has stepped up and established himself as a base for the Eagles to forge attacks.

While Tomkins received the plaudits for his first Crystal Palace goal since December 2019, Marc Guehi’s contributions at the back played a pivotal role in securing all three points.

The England U21 captain played five accurate long balls, made eight clearances – the most of the match – and won 100 per cent of his ground duels and aerial duels.

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD