Jean-Philippe Mateta came off the bench to rescue Crystal Palace a point in a thrilling but frantic 2-2 draw with Everton at Selhurst Park, a result that dealt a significant blow to David Moyes's side and their hopes of qualifying for European football next season.
A contest that was as absorbing as it was chaotic produced four goals, and somehow that still felt like a modest return. Everton twice took the lead through James Tarkowski and Beto, but on both occasions Palace responded, Ismaila Sarr cancelling out the first before Mateta levelled again 14 minutes from time. Oliver Glasner's side, on a high after booking their place in the Conference League final, refused to let the mood sour despite falling behind twice.
Tarkowski Strikes Early
Everton needed only six minutes to go ahead. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sent over a corner and the ball was inadvertently helped on its way by a Palace defender, travelling to the far post where Tarkowski was waiting unmarked to knock it home on the volley. It was the perfect start for the visitors against a Palace side who had been otherwise distracted by their Conference League exploits.