At 0:30 a.m. Beijing time on December 13, a match in the 16th round of the Premier League began to compete, and Everton made a guest appearance to challenge Crystal Palace. Everton have a poor record this season, winning just five of their first 15 and losing seven. Everton didn't win eight consecutive league games until the last round against Arsenal that Everton walked out of the unbeaten circle. The game against Arsenal was also tough, with Everton winning the game with the first goal conceded and relying on Gray's last-minute goal. This time Everton played against the weaker Crystal Palace. Crystal Palace has lost the last 3 games. It was a good opportunity for Everton to take all three points, and as a result, Everton messed up and lost to Crystal Palace.
In this game, Everton lined up in a 4231 formation. Pickford served as the starting goalkeeper. Godfrey, Michael Keane, Holgate and Coleman are paired at 4-back. Delph and Ducoure form a double back. Gray, Andre Gomez and Townsend join forces. The rishali pine top is at the front. Rondon, Gordon and Iwobi sit on the bench.
In the 6th minute of the match, Jordan Ayew had a great one-handed chance, but his shot was too positive and was saved by the goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Gallagher dribbled laterally outside the penalty area and fired a long-range shot that was slightly higher. In the 32nd minute, Godfrey sent a cross from the left side of the field, Andre Gomez swept a shot near the penalty spot, kicked it straight, and the goalkeeper took the ball down.
In the 40th minute, Crystal Palace scored! Gray made a super mistake, Jordan Ayo grabbed the ball and sent a cross, Gallagher pushed directly, and the ball was in the net! Everton were behind. At half-time, Everton 0-1 Crystal Palace. Everton had only 30% possession in the first half, 5 shots on goal, 3 shots on target, and failed to score. Crystal Palace had 10 shots on goal in the first half, 4 shots on target and 1 goal.
In the second half, Everton did not improve. Benitez made a substitution adjustment in the 57th minute. Anthony Gordon and Rondon came off the bench. Delph and Rishalisson were replaced. Four minutes later, Everton conceded another goal. Relying on a corner kick opportunity, Tomkins kicked the ball into the net after a penalty. Everton was in trouble.
In the 66th minute, Gray took a direct free kick at goal, which was powerful but slightly higher. Three minutes later, Everton finally pulled a goal back! Rondon, who came off the bench, scored in front of goal. That gave Everton hope of equalising. However, Everton never scored another goal, but instead conceded another goal in the last minute, and it was Gallagher who scored. In the end, Everton lost 1-3 to Crystal Palace. Benitez lost again, with a sad look on his face. Benitez's position was in jeopardy.