Eagles Take Flight

Crystal Palace soared to a 3-1 victory over Everton in a thrilling; tempestuous affair at Selhurst Park; continuing the 'feel-good' factor of Patrick Vieira and showing that his blueprint is indeed on the ascendancy.

Palace had lost their previous 3 league games; but you couldn't have told that from their confident; enterprising approach to this game. Everton; themselves coming off the euphoria of a last-ditch 2-1 victory over Arsenal; somehow failed to build on the momentum; showing a lack of confidence and poise that has unfortunately dogged Rafael Benitez's rather fractious reign thus far.

Pundits this season have been raving about the form of Conor Gallagher; and the energetic midfielder showed just why again today; producing an inspired performance and two goals on the way to a Man-of-The-Match performance.

Seamus Coleman was unfortunately at fault for all three goals; the first a miscued clearance that led to an even bigger mistake from Demarai Gray; the second missing a header from a corner that led to James Tomkins' finish; and the third an inexplicable hurried free-kick that led to Gallagher's wonder strike right at the death. He is unfortunately an emblem of Everton's recent failings; a lack of confidence & drive that might yet prove the failing of Benitez's recent turn.