(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Sun 10 May 2026 15:53, UK

Everton threw away the lead twice in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace this Sunday, as plenty of differentiating performances were on display.

The Toffees travelled to Selhurst Park in a must-win game for their hopes of staying in the fight for European football.

David Moyes watched on as James Tarkowski gave the Blues an early lead from a well-worked corner kick, before Ismaila Sarr’s second bite of the cherry levelled things up for the hosts.

Beto then twisted up Maxence Lacroix before slotting the ball between Dean Henderson’s legs to give the Toffees a 2-1 lead, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s effort ensured the points were split between the sides.

Everton’s draw with Crystal Palace may not be enough in the context of their European hopes, with many performances raising eyebrows for different reasons.

James Tarkowski was a Rolls-Royce vs Crystal Palace

James Tarkowski is still proving to be one of Everton’s most important players, as not only was his finish important, but his overall performance.

The 33-year-old isn’t getting any younger, but continues to prove that class is permanent, and was as good as a Rolls-Royce against the Eagles.

The centre-back won 75 per cent of his ground duels, making 12 defensive contributions in total, and without him, the Blues may have lost.

He netted his second goal of the season against Palace, but the long ball for Beto’s effort was crucial.

Tarkowski played a crucial role in getting the Blues ahead twice, but the rest of his teammates then let him down.

Michael Keane’s error was unforgivable

Michael Keane has been given a much more important role for the Toffees this season in Jarrad Branthwaite’s absence, and it’s clear as to why he is usually a bench option.

The centre-back let his teammates down when Palace netted their equaliser in the first half, as, instead of clearing the ball, he touched it straight into the path of Sarr.

• Keane has played 30 league games this season
• He has played more this term than he did in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons combined

Glenn Murray said: “You do have to ask questions of Keane there”, while co-commentating on Sky Sports, as fans will also agree with the former Palace forward.

While it was just one moment of madness from the 33-year-old, it’s arguably the main reason why the Toffees were unable to get out of sight in this one.

Everton ratings vs Crystal Palace

Jordan Pickford – 7

Vitalii Mykolenko – 5

James Tarkowski – 9

Michael Keane – 3

Jake O’Brien – 5

James Garner – 6

Tim Iroegbunam – 6

Merlin Rohl – 4 (off for George 80′)

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 4 (off for Alcaraz 90+4′)

Iliman Ndiaye – 7

Beto – 8 (off for Barry 70′)

Substitutes

Thierno Barry – 5 (on for Beto 70′)

Tyrique George – 5 (on for Rohl 80′)

Carlos Alcaraz – N/A (on for Dewsbury-Hall 90+4′)

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