Crystal Palace vs Everton 2-2 Full Time: Late Drama at Selhurst Park as Mateta Rescues Point
In a scintillating afternoon of Premier League action at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace and Everton played out a gripping 2-2 draw. The match, which took place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, saw the Toffees twice take the lead only to be pegged back by a resilient Eagles side fresh off their European exploits.
Full Match Report: End-to-End Thrills in SE25
Entering the match, Crystal Palace were riding high after securing their place in the Conference League final by defeating Shakhtar Donetsk earlier in the week. Despite the fatigue often associated with European mid-week fixtures, Oliver Glasner’s men showed incredible stamina. Everton, under the guidance of David Moyes, were desperate for three points to bolster their European qualification hopes, but they were ultimately left frustrated by a clinical Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The game began with Everton asserting dominance. Within the first six minutes, the visitors found the back of the net. A beautifully delivered corner from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was flicked on at the near post, allowing James Tarkowski to ghost in at the back post and slot home from close range.
Ismaila Sarr: The Record Breaker
Crystal Palace didn't let the early setback dampen their spirits. Ismaila Sarr, who has been in sensational form this season, was the primary threat. In the 34th minute, Sarr's persistence paid off. After his initial shot was blocked by Michael Keane, the ball fell kindly back to the Senegalese international, who smashed home his 20th goal of the season. This landmark goal makes Sarr the first Palace player to reach the 20-goal milestone in a single top-flight campaign since the legendary Glenn Murray.
Second Half: Beto Strikes but Mateta Answers
The second half started much like the first. Just two minutes after the restart, Everton's Beto capitalized on a long clearance from Tarkowski. The striker outmuscled Maxence Lacroix before driving into the box and finishing through the legs of Dean Henderson to make it 2-1.
However, the introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 65th minute changed the complexion of the game. The Frenchman has become a cult hero at Selhurst Park for his impact off the bench. In the 77th minute, Tyrick Mitchell delivered a low, fizzing cross into the box. After a brief scramble, Mateta reacted fastest, turning sharply to blast the ball into the roof of the net, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
- 6' GOAL! James Tarkowski opens the scoring for Everton from a set-piece.
- 17' SAVE! Jordan Pickford denies Lacroix with a brilliant reflex save.
- 34' GOAL! Ismaila Sarr levels the score with a deflected strike.
- 47' GOAL! Beto restores the lead for the visitors.
- 77' GOAL! Jean-Philippe Mateta equalizes with a powerful finish.
- 89' POST! Adam Wharton nearly wins it for Palace, but his long-range effort strikes the wood-work.
Statistical Breakdown: Crystal Palace vs Everton
| Statistic | Crystal Palace | Everton |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 6 |
| Corners | 5 | 8 |
| Saves | 4 | 5 |
What This Means for the Premier League Table
The draw leaves Everton in 10th place with 49 points, effectively ending their slim hopes of catching the top eight for a European spot. For Crystal Palace, the point moves them to 14th place with 44 points, officially guaranteeing their safety in the Premier League for a 14th consecutive season.
Oliver Glasner praised his team's "never-say-die" attitude, noting that the squad’s fitness levels were superior despite their heavy schedule. "To come back twice against a side like Everton shows the character we have built here," Glasner said in his post-match interview.
Final Thoughts on Today's Result
While both teams might feel they could have snatched all three points in the final minutes—especially with Adam Wharton hitting the post—a draw was perhaps the fairest result. Everton’s vulnerability from winning positions continues to haunt David Moyes, while Palace’s momentum continues to build as they look toward their historic Conference League final on May 27.
For more updates on match results, highlights, and all goals scored, keep following Trendy News.
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