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Everton scrape point at Palace

By Matt Townsend

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Michael Keane of Everton battles for possession with Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton FC at Selhurst Park on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: Michael Keane of Everton battles for possession with Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Everton FC at Selhurst Park on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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The new season is underway and just as with the last campaign, Everton begin with a draw away from home and have a player sent off.

There seems to be a frustrating symmetry about the way Everton open their Premier League campaigns these days.

Just like last August at Wolves, the Blues started again this season with a solitary point and had another player, this time Morgan Schneiderlin, sent off.

To be honest there’s not a whole lot of positive things to say about this game. But it was a fairly open and at times entertaining 0-0 draw. Neither side really looked capable of winning the match, although both teams did go close on a few occasions.

I know it’s only the first match of the season and there’s along way to go but there are some slightly worrying signs already apparent in this result.

Just as during pre-season the Toffees really struggled in front of goal, even though they created some good chances and were unable to score yet again.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to frustrate, Gylfi Sigurdsson was out of sorts, and Richarlison had one of those days where he huffed and puffed without finding any real quality to his play.

I just really hope that new signings Moise Kean, (who came on later in the second half at Palace), and Alex Iwobi can start delivering very soon or this might turn out to be a long season.

Ironically the one Everton player who did show some finishing form in front of goal isn’t at Goodison Park; Nathan Broadhead.

The young striker netted twice for Burton Albion on his debut in League One at Gillingham.

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The one significant positive thing to come from this afternoon in South London, is that the Blues kept another clean sheet and even after losing Schniederlin, continued to defend very solidly.

Centre backs Michael Keane and Yerry Mina look a strong combination in the heart of the defence and keeper Jordan Pickford came to the rescue a couple of times when Palace did breakthrough and threaten.

So a point salvaged from a match that looked as though it might get away from Everton when their French midfielder was sent off. And next up its Watford at home on the 17th August.