Everton Win Against Crystal Palace Saves Premier League Status

Everton won their Premier League spot with a stunning comeback victory over Crystal Palace after falling down two goals. 

The hosts appeared to be heading for defeat as Palace scored twice in the first half through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew, extending their 68-year run in the Premier League. 

Everton, though, driven by their raucous crowd and a fighter’s mentality turned the game around in the second half with a more attacking strategy. 

Michael Keane’s goal nine minutes after the break gave Frank Lampard’s team hope, and Richarlison’s deflected shot into the bottom corner with 15 minutes left threw Goodison Park into raptures as a vital point looked imminent.

The best was yet to come with five minutes remaining. Dominic Calvert-Lewin triggered chaos with a diving header from Demarai Gray’s free-kick against Brentford on Sunday, his first goal since August amid an injury-plagued season. 

Fans descended on the pitch to celebrate, shrouding the stadium in blue mist as smoke flares were fired. 

Everton fans did not have to worry about final-day nerves like they did in 1998 and 1994, when the team also retained its Premier League status.