After recent defeats in this fixture I think many of us could have written the script for this one.
Palace settled first, moved the ball around well and created good chances that were either squandered, saved by Pickford or denied by the woodwork. At that point I was waiting for the inevitable...and sure enough when the below par Munoz sloppily conceded possession, we were duly punished. These are the thin margins that decide games.
Conceding so early in the second half ended the game as a contest. Indeed, it looked more likely to get worse than see Palace come back into the game.
Predictably Sage is attracting critisism from the usual suspects on here. But let's not lose sight of a couple of facts ; he's just had his best defender sold without an adequate replacement brought in and Palace are a club that always suffer when pre season is hindered by players being away at a major tournament.
The positives ( yes, there were some - at least in my eyes ) - Nketiah looked bright and found space in the final third. Should have scored though I admit. Tomiyasu looked composed and purposeful - if he can stay fit he'll be very useful. And Wharton ran the game in the first 45 minutes.
The negatives - I don't like that back three. While I accept that replacing the quality of Guehi and Lacroix is not an easy fix, going into the season with Riad, Richards and Canvot didn't fill me with confidence. None of them look comfortable playing the ball out from the back and are easily pressured into making mistakes. I also think that Wharton needs a ball winner alongside him, especially against the likes of Everton. Kamada isn't up to the physical challenge.
Finally, Mateta and Munoz. I can see the clubs point of view that while even if under a contract he doesn't like, Mateta should earn the money he's being paid and put in a performance. But if yesterday is anything to go by, the sooner he's out the door the better. When Munoz got subbed, he got an ovation from the Everton fans as he walked along the perimeter of the pitch - and then proceeded to have a cozy walk to the dressing room with David Moyes ! Adios, Dani .....
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