Adam Sells’ takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 1-1 draw at Everton – Stalwart players met challenge head on

Crystal Palace drew 1-1 at Everton on Monday night – with new manager Oliver Glasner watching on from the Goodison Park directors’ box.

Here are Adam Sells’ takeaways from the Premier League match.

A HARD-FOUGHT POINT

Palace turned in a battling display at Goodison Park to earn a valuable point away from home, after a testing few days.

With Roy Hodgson having stood down after suffering ill health, and shorn of eight players with injury, the Eagles dug deep and turned in a disciplined display, which had all the hallmarks of a team well drilled by the former England manager.

The visitors were the better team for large parts and frustrated their hosts, who have struggled in front of goal recently, and created some decent opportunities of their own.

But as with the Chelsea game a week ago, with little in the way of experienced replacements, Palace tired and conceded with six minutes of normal time remaining.

There is no such thing as a bad point away from home in the Premier League but, being so close to three, it might be viewed as two that got away.

CROSSES! CROSSES! MORE CROSSSES!

Acting boss Paddy McCarthy set up with three central defenders, with one theory certainly to combat the aerial threat posed by the powerful Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton did not disappoint in putting those defenders to the test. The crosses just kept coming and the defensive trio of Joel Ward, Joachim Andersen and Chris Richards stood firm for the most part.

The recalled Sam Johnstone was in commanding form, before the visitors were eventually outpowered by Amadou Onana, who rose highest from an 84th-minute corner to head home.

The home side were rarely able to open Palace up in open play, but the relentless approach finally yielded an equaliser when it seemed that they were set to return to South London with all three points.

STALWARTS STEP UP

In what could have proved a very difficult night, the real Palace stalwarts met the challenge head on.

Jordan Ayew, grafted and fought all night and produced an absolutely magnificent strike to give Palace the lead.

The Ghanaian’s shot from 20 yards flew past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and his strike was reminiscent of Jefferson Lerma’s effort seven days earlier against Chelsea in SE25.

At the other end Joel Ward was throwing himself into blocks and challenges as if his life depended on it. Having been out for several weeks, it was typical of the loyal servant, given his contribution over the past 12 seasons.

EDOUARD BACK AND IN FORM

Odsonne Edouard started his first Premier League game in three months and looked sharp before tiring and being replaced with 20 minutes left on the clock.

The French forward showed trickery in a less familiar role and both he and the aforementioned Ayew were a thorn in the Everton side throughout.

Edouard may have been disappointed not to get on the scoresheet, but Palace may have been encouraged that they found an effective way to play without their best attacking talents.