Everton won their fourth Premier League match in five as they beat hosts Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
Palace thought they had opened the scoring when Jefferson Lerma headed home from a corner at the midway point of the first half, but the officials claimed that the ball had gone out of play, and the VAR went with the on-field decision.
The hosts missed numerous chances and were made to rue their wastefulness after Beto capitalised on a wayward throw in by Tyrick Mitchell shortly before the interval.
However, despite a lengthy VAR check, Palace found themselves level after just two minutes of the second half when Jean-Philippe Mateta made the most of Marc Guehi's flicked assist back into the penalty area.
David Moyes's visitors came under significant pressure but managed to claim all three points after Carlos Alcaraz opportunistically scored the winner late on, pouncing on Will Hughes's block in the Eagles' box.
The result sees Everton climb above Manchester United into 13th place with 30 points, while Crystal Palace have the same number of points but are in 12th place.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Oliver Glasner's Eagles will feel they should have won considering they squandered several good opportunities in front of goal, with the hosts missing three of their four big chances.
However, Glasner's side have still won six of their last eight and are unlikely to be relegated, so perhaps a good run in the FA Cup should be prioritised.
As for Everton, they are now 13 points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich Town, and though safety is by no means guaranteed, their current points total of 30 would have kept them up last season.
The Toffees can in all likelihood look forward to Premier League football next season, and Moyes can be proud of the work he has done so far back on Merseyside.
CRYSTAL PALACE VS. EVERTON HIGHLIGHTS
20th min: Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) goal ruled out
Crystal Palace deliver in an out-swinging corner from the left and the delivery finds Lerma, who heads from the right of the penalty spot into the net, but the officials say the ball went out of play before coming back in.
The VAR takes a look and though the replays look inconclusive, the decision stands!
Beto goal vs. Crystal Palace (42nd min, Crystal Palace 0-1 Everton)
Palace conspire to lose possession from a throw in when Mitchell tries to throw towards Lerma, but his back is turned, allowing Alcaraz to pounce on the ball and feed Beto into acres of space racing through on goal before the striker pokes past goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Bizarre errors from Lerma and Mitchell!
Jean-Philippe Mateta goal vs. Everton (47th min, Crystal Palace 1-1 Everton)
Guehi keeps the ball alive around Everton's box and flicks possession with his right foot towards the penalty spot, and Mateta latches onto the pass, striking past Jordan Pickford.
The VAR looks for an offside but the goal stands!
Carlos Alcaraz goal vs. Crystal Palace (80th min, Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton)
Jake O'Brien heads an attempt across goal from the right and though it looks like it struck the hand of Ben Chilwell, Everton recover possession in the box before Alcaraz eventually strikes into the right side of the net from close range.
A goal and assist for Alcaraz!
MAN OF THE MATCH - CARLOS ALCARAZ
Though Alcaraz benefitted from Lerma and Mitchell's mistake for his side's first goal, he still showed great speed and composure to find goalscorer Beto.
His excellent positioning in the box for his winning goal highlighted his poacher's instinct in the final third, and the attacker's strike may prove invaluable for Everton in their quest to confirm their top-flight status for 2025-26.
CRYSTAL PALACE VS. EVERTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Crystal Palace 58%-42% Everton
Shots: Crystal Palace 17-11 Everton
Shots on target: Crystal Palace 6-6 Everton
Corners: Crystal Palace 6-2 Everton
Fouls: Crystal Palace 9-12 Everton
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
An away trip to Fulham awaits Crystal Palace on February 22 in the Premier League, with a home clash against Aston Villa to follow on February 25.
Meanwhile, Everton will host a depleted Manchester United at Goodison Park in the league on February 22 before taking on Brentford away from home on February 26.
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