Three best and worst performers in Everton’s draw with Crystal Palace

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Three worst

Jon Moss

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A last minute replacement for Mark Clattenburg, all parties involved may be wishing that it had been Clattenburg in the middle after Moss’ performance. Controversy over the free-kick which led to Romelu Lukaku’s strike, not only over whether the handball from Phil Jagielka came before or after the high foot of Damien Delaney, but why a direct free-kick was given when there was no contact.

Then, when Palace equalised, Moss preceded to get in the way of the ball straight from kick-off and then infuriated Alan Pardew even further by relying on his linesman and the two of them combined to incorrectly disallow Delaney’s headed effort which would have put the London side in the lead. James McArthur may have attempted to play the ball, leading to a correct decision, but it seems harsh. With nine yellow cards dished out, Moss was certainly busy.

James McArthur 

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The former Wigan midfielder had a poor evening at the heart of the Crystal Palace midfield, with an atrocious pass completion ratio of just 64% leading to his inevitable substitution in the 79th minute to be replaced by Yohan Cabaye. With four fouls conceded, McArthur at times even felt like more of a liability than an asset for the Eagles.

McArthur was much more defensive minded than he has been previously and struggled to have any influence on the attacking play of his side due to his poor distribution failing to launch any counter attacks as pass after pass went astray, with only half of his forward passes successful.

Tom Cleverley

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Everton’s number 15 also suffered a torrid display in the opposite midfield, with a forward pass completion ratio of 54% only marginally better. Cleverley struggled to offer anything going forward, with no shots attempted and only one touch inside the penalty area throughout the whole 90 minutes.

With three failed tackles, it only rubbed salt into the wounds of a poor evening for the former United man when he received a yellow card late on for a needless and petulant foul which may see him struggle to retain his starting place after the international break in a fortnight’s time.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Serg Hoholok.