Everton vs. Crystal Palace: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Romelu Lukaku scored a late equalizer to give Everton a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday night in the Barclays Premier League.
Scott Dann's powerful header had put the visitors ahead in the 76th minute, but Lukaku tapped in from close range just five minutes later to give the Toffees a share of the points.
The result took Palace up to sixth place, while Everton are now ninth.
Here, Bleacher Report selects winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Romelu Lukaku
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Romelu Lukaku continued his outstanding run of form with another goal, a strike that ensured the Toffees avoided defeat.
That marks five straight Premier League games in which the Belgian has scored, a first in Everton's long history. It's also Lukaku's 11th of the season, one more than his tally for all of the previous campaign. In 100 games with Everton, he's scored 50 goals for a strike rate of one every other match.
Those stats show that the young striker already ranks among the league's top goalscorers. But at just 22, Lukaku is also one for the future.
If not for the crossbar, Lukaku might have scored three on this night. But his strong showing wasn't just about shots and goals. The center-forward also worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes, frequently setting up teammates for chances.
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t BBC Sport) after the match, Everton boss Roberto Martinez said:
"He has been very consistent throughout the year, not just this season. To score 26 goals in a calendar year is sensational. He is always there to give us a focal point and score goals.
It was a big moment. One hundred games is a landmark moment and 50 goals is a remarkable return. He's only 22, he is in a very good moment of his career. He is vital in everything we are trying to do.
"
Lukaku continues to impress with each appearance, and with time on his side, he has the potential to become a special player.
Winner: Gerard Deulofeu
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The official statisticians have given the assist to Gareth Barry, but make no mistake: Gerard Deulofeu set up Romelu Lukaku's crucial equalizer.
After running on to a pass down the right flank, the young Spanish winger picked out a cross into the middle, where Lukaku tapped in from close range. Barry might have taken a slight touch as the ball passed through the box, but this was all about Deulofeu's ability to create danger with his quickness and trickery.
If the Premier League changes its mind and awards the assist to Deulofeu, that would make seven on the season for the 21-year-old. Only Arsenal's Mesut Ozil (12) has created more.
"That makes 7 big chances created by Gerard Deulofeu in under 700 minutes," tweeted ESPN FC's Michael Caley. "Elite playmaking numbers."
Winner: Wayne Hennessey
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Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey completed a crucial save in the 66th minute to keep the match scoreless. Looking back, it was a result-preserving effort.
Everton dominated 62 percent of possession (per the BBC) and hit the woodwork three times, but in the 66th minute, with the match still scoreless, the Toffees seemed destined to finally take the lead. Accepting a pass along the edge of the box with his back to goal, Romelu Lukaku laid off for Tom Cleverley, who struck a shot sweetly on the half-volley.
The ball was flying toward the top corner when Hennessey dived across his line to save spectacularly.
Palace later took the lead, but even though the Eagles couldn't hold on for the win, this was still a key stop.
Winner: Palace's Crossbar
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As mentioned in the previous slide, the woodwork came to Palace's aid three times.
In the 21st minute, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku combined to dangerous effect before Lukaku spun and fired a low shot off the base of the far post.
The Toffees came close again in the 60th minute, when Palace's Connor Wickham headed a Barkley free-kick off the underside of his own bar.
Lukaku then hit the crossbar 18 minutes later with a fierce drive—just moments after Palace had taken the lead.
A common cliche tells us that a margin as tiny as an inch can make a massive difference in sport. This game proved it to be true.
Loser: Palace's Unique Record
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Crystal Palace entered Monday's match with a remarkable record, winning seven of seven previous games this season in which they held a lead, per Opta Joe. The Eagles were the only Premier League side not to have dropped points from a winning position.
That changed with Monday's draw, but manager Alan Pardew will still be pleased to see his side climb up to sixth place.
