Crystal Palace's fairy tale unbeaten run came crashing down in the most agonizing fashion imaginable. For 19 games, Oliver Glasner's side had defied expectations, climbing to the upper echelons of the Premier League table with a blend of tactical discipline and clinical efficiency. But on a rain-soaked evening at Hill-Dickinson Stadium, football's cruel side reared its head.
Jack Grealish, often criticized for his lack of end product this season, became an unlikely hero in the 93rd minute. His scruffy rebound, following a wayward shot from Dwight McNeil that cannoned off the post, sparked wild celebrations in the Everton end and left Palace players slumped on the turf in disbelief.
A Match of Fine Margins
The contest had been evenly poised at 1-1 after Eberechi Eze's first-half strike canceled out Dominic Calvert-Lewin's early opener. Palace dominated possession for large stretches, creating numerous chances that went begging. Jean-Philippe Mateta spurned three golden opportunities, including a one-on-one with Jordan Pickford in the 78th minute that will haunt him for weeks.
"We created enough to win three games," Glasner said afterward, his frustration palpable. "But in football, you have to take your chances. We didn't, and we've been punished for it."
Everton, by contrast, showed the defensive resilience that has become their hallmark under Sean Dyche. Despite sitting deep for much of the match, they remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with McNeil and Grealish causing problems down the left flank.
The Winning Moment
When McNeil picked up the ball 25 yards from goal in added time, few expected danger. His shot was scuffed, heading wide before deflecting off the post. But Grealish, lurking with intent, reacted quickest to poke the ball past a stranded Dean Henderson from close range.
It was scrappy, chaotic, and entirely undeserved based on the balance of play โ but that's football. Everton's players mobbed Grealish, while Palace's stars could only watch in stunned silence as their unbeaten run evaporated in an instant.
What It Means
The defeat sees Crystal Palace drop to fifth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. More significantly, it punctures the aura of invincibility that had been building around Glasner's team. The Austrian manager will need to rally his troops quickly, with a crucial London derby against Arsenal looming next weekend.
For Everton, this victory represents their first away win of the season and a much-needed injection of confidence. Dyche's pragmatic approach has drawn criticism from sections of the fanbase, but results like this vindicate his methods. The Toffees climb to 12th, eight points clear of the relegation zone.
"We've shown character all season. When you come to places like this and get a result, it shows what we're made of." โ Sean Dyche
As the final whistle blew, the contrasting emotions told the story. Everton's players celebrated like they'd won a trophy, while Palace's stars trudged off, their unbeaten dream over. Football, as they say, can be a game of inches โ and tonight, those inches went Everton's way.
For Crystal Palace, the challenge now is to respond. Glasner has built something special at Selhurst Park, and one defeat doesn't change that. But nights like this serve as a reminder: in the Premier League, complacency is punished, and fine margins decide everything.