After a couple of defeats against Chelsea and Burnley, Everton really had to see their move against Crystal Palace on Monday.
With the days dropping on their quest for a Champions League place, they could not really afford another slip-up – especially as Liverpool begin to gather things across Stanley Park.
Michy Batshuayi’s late equalizer then felt like a hammer blow for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. They had created enough chances to win three games, and if it were not for the inspired form of opposing goalkeeper Vicente Guaita – who Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison pulled their hair out at times – it could have been one of their biggest wins of the season.
“Another beggar!” ⚽?
Vicente Guaita has quite a lot of play … he has pulled off another good stop to deny Richarlison! ?
? Watch Sky Sports PL? Follow #EVECRY here: https://t.co/Z6niUSW11W? Download the app @SkySports! pic.twitter.com/e0teg1J5SJ
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 5, 2021
Despite their recent setbacks, they are still on the hunt. The margin of error from now on is thin, but with James Rodriguez back in the picture, they have reason to believe that they can squeeze it back.
The Colombian was back in the starting line-up against Palace for the first time since the Merseyside Derby in February and it was no coincidence that they delivered possibly their most creatively potent performance since that day.
It was a deeper role for Rodriguez than he could have been used to and let in to play on a flat midfield three alongside Tom Davies and Andre Gomes, and sometimes he was even at the back of those three.
“James Rodriguez is back with one ????” ?
Rodriguez pushes Everton towards Palace with a clinical finish ?️??
? Watch Sky Sports PL? Follow #EVECRY here: https://t.co/Z6niUSW11W? Download the app @SkySports! pic.twitter.com/Ft7ajOfzpP
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 5, 2021
But that did not stop him – his awareness of space both on and off the ball was exemplary, and he made as many important passes as the rest of the team compiled during his 80 minutes on the field.
He came to the moment that also meant. When he came late in the box to take Seamus Coleman’s pass from the right, he did what the two players in front of him could not and rifled a low effort beyond Guaita for his 100th club career goal.
This was not Rodriguez at his best. He got past the defenders and fired a shot that the keeper just missed. 1 – 0 for the visitors. Jean-Philippe Gbamin made the save, however.
597 days later …? pic.twitter.com/EuYJyuiwpI
– Everton (@Everton) April 5, 2021
Everton’s European rivals will have celebrated when Batshuayi came off the bench and found the back of Robin Olsen’s net. But while they continue to send unnecessary goals at key points in the game, there were indeed aspects of Toffee’s performance here that give them reason to believe.
However, keeping Rodriguez fit for the run-in is absolutely critical.
