In an FA Cup third-round clash between Everton and Crystal Palace on Thursday, the match’s defining moment came in the form of a controversial red card for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England striker was sent off after a VAR review of his studs-up foul on Nathaniel Clyne in the second half at Selhurst Park.
Despite making only slight contact with Clyne’s leg while winning the ball, Calvert-Lewin saw the first red card of his career, much to the dismay of Everton manager Sean Dyche. Dyche expressed fury over the decision by referee Chris Kavanagh following an extended VAR check.
The draw ended in a 0-0 stalemate, and Everton had to endure additional setbacks as winger Dwight McNeil suffered a serious-looking injury in the closing stages. Nevertheless, Dyche’s team managed to hold on through nine minutes of stoppage time, earning a replay at Goodison Park later in January.
While Everton last lifted the FA Cup trophy in 1995, they face the challenge of a Premier League relegation battle this season. The FA Cup provides a potential distraction from their league struggles, and their gritty display against Crystal Palace keeps alive their hopes of a Wembley journey.
Everton, hit by a 10-point deduction earlier this season for financial breaches, approached the game with resilience. Despite their recent struggles, they managed to avoid defeat, forcing a replay in their pursuit of FA Cup success.
The match had its share of action, with early saves from Everton keeper Joao Virginia, incisive raids by Calvert-Lewin and Arnaut Danjuma, and moments of alert goalkeeping by Dean Henderson for Crystal Palace. Calvert-Lewin’s red card and McNeil’s injury added drama to the encounter, but Everton’s defense held firm.
The replay scheduled for later this month at Goodison Park offers Everton another opportunity to progress in the FA Cup and shift their focus from Premier League challenges.
