In a week filled with challenges, Everton secured a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in their FA Cup third-round replay. Andre Gomes’ brilliant free-kick, scored in the 42nd minute, was the highlight of the match, propelling Everton to a win and setting up a clash with Luton Town in the next round.
Gomes, making only his second start for Everton since May 2022, showcased his prowess with a well-executed set-piece. The Toffees dominated much of the first half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming close to scoring. Despite Crystal Palace’s efforts, Everton held on to their lead, marking their first win since December 16.
However, Everton’s joy is tempered by potential absences in the upcoming match, as Abdoulaye Doucoure and Seamus Coleman may be sidelined due to “minor hamstring issues,” according to manager Sean Dyche.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace’s struggles continue, with the team now having won just one of their last 11 matches. Roy Hodgson’s decision to substitute key forward Eberechi Eze was met with disapproval from some fans, and Palace will now face Arsenal in their next Premier League match.
The victory brings a moment of relief for Everton amid financial rule controversies, setting the stage for an intriguing FA Cup journey as they face Luton Town in the next round.
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