Everton FC’s hopes of securing a European place remain alive, but their chances are fading after they once again dropped late points in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace FC at Selhurst Park — their fourth consecutive match without holding onto a lead.

Having lost just once in their previous 22 Premier League meetings with Palace and targeting a third straight win at a ground where they have enjoyed success, Everton began brightly and struck early from a set-piece.

Just five minutes in, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered a dangerous, whipped corner that caused chaos in the box. Michael Keane got the slightest of touches to guide the ball back across goal, where defensive teammate James Tarkowski was left with a simple finish at the far post to give the visitors the lead.

It was the perfect opening for Everton FC in the context of their European ambitions, though there remained a sense of caution given that Crystal Palace FC had previously come from behind to cancel out an early Toffees goal in their last two meetings in London.

As had been the case in those encounters, Palace gradually grew into the game after falling behind. Both sides soon created danger in quick succession, with the goalkeepers forced into sharp close-range saves just 26 seconds apart. The second of those saw Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall denied in a one-on-one situation, keeping the contest finely poised early on.

Crystal Palace FC made Everton FC pay for their missed chances, levelling the match shortly after the half-hour mark.

A slick move involving Ismaila Sarr and Daniel Muñoz led to the equaliser, with the ball taking a deflection off Michael Keane before falling kindly for Sarr, who struck a composed half-volley beyond Jordan Pickford. The goal marked his first in the league since March.

Sarr then played a crucial role at the other end as well, producing a vital goal-line clearance to deny a close-range header from Iliman Ndiaye just before half-time, ensuring the sides went into the break level.

Where Ismaila Sarr had earlier fallen short, Beto made no mistake in scrappy fashion just two minutes into the second half.

The striker reacted quickest to a long ball from James Tarkowski, bringing it under control before twisting Maxence Lacroix inside out twice and calmly rolling a low finish past Dean Henderson to restore Everton FC’s lead.

Shortly before the hour mark, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came close to extending the advantage, breaking through on goal, but a combination of Henderson and two covering defenders managed to disrupt his effort and prevent what looked like a certain third goal.

Concerns of another late Everton FC setback — similar to what followed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s earlier missed opportunity — nearly came true in the 65th minute, when a downward header from Ismaila Sarr forced a sharp fingertip save from Jordan Pickford at his near post.

Shortly after, Everton FC introduced Thierno Barry in place of Beto, hoping to build on his recent brace against Manchester City. However, it was Crystal Palace FC who struck next, as Jean-Philippe Mateta reacted quickest to a low cross from Tyrick Mitchell, guiding the ball into the roof of the net.

The goal marked Mateta’s second successive strike in this fixture, having also scored the equaliser in the meeting in February 2025.

With Everton FC recently becoming the first side in Premier League history to concede decisive injury-time goals in three consecutive matches, there was growing tension inside the closing stages as Crystal Palace FC looked to push for a late winner.

Crystal Palace FC pushed hard for a late winner, with Ismaila Sarr coming agonisingly close as he narrowly failed to connect at the near post. Moments later, Adam Wharton rattled the woodwork in the 90th minute, keeping the tension high right until the end.

Despite late chances at both ends — including efforts from Iliman Ndiaye and Jean-Philippe Mateta — neither side could find a decisive breakthrough, and the match finished level.

The result extends Palace’s unbeaten home run to nine matches, a streak dating back to February.

For Everton FC, their struggles in London continue, with their record in the capital this season now standing at one win, two draws, and three defeats. On a more positive note, they require just a point from their final two matches to secure their first 50+ point Premier League season in five years.