Everton beat Crystal Palace with a goal from a free kick to advance in the FA Cup

Everton managed a rematch of the third round of the FA Cup, after a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace. André Gomes scored the only goal of the game from a free kick to decide the match.

André Gomes had the first chance of the match in the third minute. But Sam Johnstone had an easy job to catch the ball. The active Portuguese was in all the danger in the opening quarter of an hour. But his teammates did not capitalize on his creativity.

It wasn’t until the 15th minute that Dominic Calvert-Lewin got his head to a header, but Johnstone did well again to head the ball over. Five minutes later, Jack Harrison went down in the whitewash. But no penalty was given, much to the emotion of home coach Sean Dyche.

Eagles responded after almost half an hour, but Eberechi Eze’s shot was dealt with by the home goalkeeper. Two minutes later Jeffrey Schlupp tried his luck, but the Dutch all-rounder missed the Everton goal.

Gomez secures Everton win with a beautiful free kick

In the 42nd minute, Goodison Park celebrated as Gomes, who was active, headed a tight shot towards the left post from a free kick. The first half was closed by an inaccurate shot from Tyrick Mitchell. So the home side went into the box with a 1:0 lead.

After the change of sides, it was a slow start. After 15 minutes, James Garner almost gave the opponent the equalizer with a bad cross, but the Virginia goalkeeper was able to intervene. Calvert-Lewin then fired, but confirmed his terrible form and missed.

In general, the game was much like the week-old scoreless draw. Crystal Palace needed to score, but the pressure was far from off. On the other hand, Jarrad Branthwaite could have given the home side insurance, but he headed over in a good position.

The Eagles didn’t create any more chances in the setup and after a 0-1 loss, they are out of the FA Cup. Everton, on the other hand, got a boost for the next matches and the tough fight for salvation.

Source: FA Cup, X