Charly Alcaraz netted a late winner on his first start, helping Everton claim a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite being outplayed at times, Beto opened the scoring for the Toffees in the 42nd minute against the run of play.
Palace equalized just two minutes into the second half through Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Alcaraz ensured all three points for the visitors with a goal 10 minutes before the final whistle.
Palace had a chance early on when Mateta failed to capitalize on a defensive slip from Everton’s James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, shooting directly at keeper Jordan Pickford. Pickford also denied Justin Devenny’s long-range effort shortly after.
The hosts came close to scoring when captain Marc Guehi forced another save from Pickford with a low header. Though Lerma had the ball in the net soon after, a VAR review ruled out the goal due to a corner that had drifted out of play beforehand.
Everton attempted to build momentum, and a pass from Jesper Lindstrom set up Beto, only for the attack to be thwarted by Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who collided with his keeper Dean Henderson but was fit to continue.
Chris Richards nearly set up a home lead from the ground, maintaining possession long enough for Ismaila Sarr to hit the crossbar. However, Palace’s miscommunication soon allowed Alcaraz to intercept Tyrick Mitchell’s throw-in, setting up Beto for the opener.
Undeterred, Palace’s Oliver Glasner made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton. Eze’s early free-kick was narrowly headed over by Richards before Mateta scored the equalizer, confirmed after a VAR review ruled no offside in the buildup.
The revitalized hosts put pressure on Everton, but Henderson thwarted Beto’s attempt at a second goal. As the game neared its conclusion, Palace’s failure to convert chances proved costly when Alcaraz found the net in the 80th minute.
After a chaotic scramble in the penalty area following Ashley Young’s cross, Alcaraz seized the opportunity, marking his first goal for Everton with a low finish.
Despite a late surge from Palace, they continue to seek their third home Premier League win of the season.
Credit: Leader Live
