Frustration again for David Moyes, whose side squandered a two-goal advantage for the fourth time this season. This draw also marked the Blues’ 15th of the campaign, the most in the Premier League, the next closest is Arsenal with 13.
Everton controlled much of the first half, boosted by the return of Dwight McNeil on the right-hand side of midfield. A recurring theme early on with play down the right, though the final ball from Nathan Patterson often lacked quality.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute. Carlos Alcaraz delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which Beto glanced into the bottom corner at the Park End, his seventh goal of the season, and Alcaraz’s second assist.
Liam Delap is a player on many clubs’ radars this summer, Everton included, but his only real involvement of substance came in the first half. A yellow card for a shoving match with O’Brien was quickly followed by a collision with Jarrad Branthwaite, earning him boos from the Goodison faithful, who may well be singing his name next season.
McNeil doubled Everton’s lead in the 35th minute. Found by Patterson inside off the right, he took two touches before firing a swerving shot that wrongfooted Palmer in goal. Everton looked in full control.
This control was short-lived with Ipswich hitting back just five minutes later. Julio Enciso, Ipswich’s bright spark throughout, made no mistake after two earlier efforts, unleashing a stunning 30-yard strike that dipped in off the crossbar.
Both teams stayed unchanged after the break, and a similar pattern to the first continued. Everton controlling possession, but looking more unlikely to find a third goal.
Ipswich’s substitutions in the 67th minute shifted the momentum. Jack Clarke came on to the left, and Enciso moved inside. Kalvin Phillips, once an Everton target, slotted into midfield, and George Hirst replaced Delap to lead the line. The changes provided a switch in the flow of play, with Ipswich now the team probing for the next goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in his first matchday squad since January, entered with 15 minutes remaining, replacing Beto. Jack Harrison also came on for McNeil, who had delivered a strong performance on his return to the starting lineup.
The visitors looked fresher and more cohesive after the changes, and they were level in the 79th minute. A move that began deep in Ipswich’s half ended with an Omari Hutchinson’s cross, looping over O’Brien where Hirst headed in from close range.
The closing stages were tense and scrappy, with Ipswich looking the likelier side to snatch a winner. Neither team carved out clear-cut chances, and the final whistle was blown just as Everton seemed to have won a corner, only adding to the home crowd’s frustration.
There’s plenty for Moyes and his staff to reflect on heading into the final three games. The draw lifts Everton to 14th, level with Manchester United on 39 points. The big question remains, after another familiar collapse, what needs fixing to turn these draws into victories next season?