Everton 1 Crystal Palace 1: Romelu Lukaku's 50th goal for the Toffees cancels out Scott Dann's late header

Big goal: Romelu Lukaku scored his 50th goal for Everton against Crystal Palace to secure a draw
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Giuseppe Muro7 December 2015

Crystal Palace moved up to sixth in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.

Palace were on course for another win on Merseyside when Scott Dann headed them in front with 14 minutes left but Romelu Lukaku equalised five minutes later.

Both teams pushed for a winner at the end of the breathless second half but Alan Pardew will be pleased with a point.

Palace are among a pack of clubs chasing European football and sit just three points behind fifth-placed Tottenham.

This was impressive away display from the Eagles, who more than matched a good Everton side.

Palace made their intentions clear from the off and Connor Wickham had the first chance of the game after just 44 seconds when his shot was saved Tim Howard.

Everton went close to going in front after seven minutes when Ross Barkley’s curling effort from outside the area went just wide of the far post.

Mile Jedinak, making his first Premier League start of the season, fired over and Wickham then forced Howard into more action. This time the Everton goalkeeper kept out his point-blank header with his chest as Palace pushed for an opener.

But it was Everton who came closest in the first half. Lukaku struck a left-foot shot that hit the inside of the post and rolled across the goal with Wayne Hennessey beaten.

Palace felt they should have had a penalty at the start of the second half when Jedinak was bundled over by Gareth Barry from a corner. Referee Craig Pawson waved play on but replays showed Barry was pulling his shirt.

Yannick Bolasie tested Howard but Everton then came inches away from going in front when Wickham flicked a Barkley free-kick onto his own crossbar.

Everton sensed a breakthrough as the game passed the hour-mark and only a wonderful save from Hennessey kept the scores level. Tom Cleverley’s half-volley looked destined for the top corner before Hennessey kept him out at full stretch.

Pressure was building from the home side but it was Palace who went in front on 76 minutes.

Dann was left totally unmarked from a corner to head home from close range and spark jubilant scenes in the away end.

Everton almost mustered an immediate response when Lukaku hit the bar with a fierce left foot shot.

But Palace were only in front for five minutes. Gerard Deulofeu got to the byline and crossed for Lukaku to tap home from a yard.

Both sides pushed for a winner but it ended all-square.

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