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Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti singled out player James Rodriguez for praise after his performance on Monday in the Premier League.

The Toffees were held to a frustrating 1-1 home draw yesterday against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.

They are only five points adrift of fourth-placed West Ham in the league with a game in hand, but that gap could’ve been even tighter with a win on Monday.

Michy Batshuayi scored an 86th minute equaliser for Palace to snatch a point for London-based club Palace, as he tucked in a composed low finish.

Everton had earlier taken the lead through their star man Rodriguez.

The 29-year-old, who was making his first appearance since February due to a calf problem, marked his return to the XI with a superb goal on his weaker right foot.

Ancelotti was full of praise for the attacking midfielder after his contribution against Palace:

“I think James gave a fantastic effort,” Ancelotti said, as quoted by the club’s official website.

“It was a long time he was not playing. He played a fantastic match, he scored a goal and helped the team.

“At the end, he didn’t have a lot of energy and to avoid a problem I took him out.”

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Unfortunately, neither Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison had their shooting boots on for Everton against Palace.

But the team are still in with a shot of a Champions League finish if Rodriguez finds his best form from now until the end of the season.

The left-footed playmaker slotted in like he had never been away with an eye-catching display, as he seemed to add the extra bit of quality whenever in possession.