Everton manager Sean Dyche is urging for a quicker resolution to their appeal against a 10-point deduction, emphasizing its importance for the benefit of football. This plea comes as Everton secured a valuable late draw against Crystal Palace, enhancing their chances of staying in the Premier League.
Dyche expressed his views after his team moved out of the relegation zone with a crucial point earned from Amadou Onana’s header in the 84th minute.
This outcome propelled Everton to 17th place, edging them above Luton on goal difference.
In November, they were penalized with a 10-point deduction by an independent commission due to financial rule violations. However, they filed an appeal the following month. As of now, no date has been set for the appeal hearing.
“I don’t know the dates, we’re just waiting. For the good of football, I think it needs to be speedier for everyone,” Dyche said after the match.
“I don’t think anyone wants them dragged out, whatever it’s going to be, let’s get on with it. It’s not in my hands, though. Who knows [when we’ll find out].”
Onana’s equalizing header arrived following Jordan Ayew’s goal for Palace, coinciding with the announcement that Roy Hodgson has stepped down as manager earlier on Monday.
The 76-year-old Hodgson, who fell ill during training last Thursday but has since been discharged from the hospital, has been succeeded by former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner.
Ayew, the Ghanaian forward, struck an impressive shot into the far corner past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, seemingly securing three points for Palace until Onana’s late heroics altered the outcome.
In the first half, Everton’s most promising opportunity arose when Dominic Calvert-Lewin soared between two Palace defenders, but his header from a Dwight McNeil cross narrowly missed the target.
Both Chris Richards and Jean-Philippe Mateta had headers cleared off the line by Everton’s James Tarkowski and Ashley Young before Palace took the lead.
Tarkowski’s header from a corner was initially stopped by Sam Johnstone, who then made a crucial save to deny Abdoulaye Doucoure at the near post.
Palace concede late again
The recent days have been filled with events for Crystal Palace, starting with widespread reports last Thursday suggesting Hodgson was on the verge of being dismissed, followed by the former England manager falling ill later that morning.
The club officially announced on Monday that Hodgson had been discharged from the hospital and is currently recovering well.
In Hodgson’s absence, his assistants Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington took charge of the team against Everton, while new manager Glasner observed from the stands alongside chairman Steve Parish.
Glasner has committed to Palace with a contract extending until June 2026 and is set to assume managerial duties for the first time when Palace hosts Burnley on Saturday.
Despite securing a draw that lifted them to 15th place, the Eagles may feel a tinge of disappointment for not clinching a victory as they conceded in the closing stages once again.
Following Ayew’s goal, their offensive momentum waned, and they were subsequently punished by a resolute Everton side.
“It was a wonderful goal by Jordan Ayew, but we couldn’t hold on,” said McCarthy.
“We knew Everton would hold us to some questions from set plays and I am disappointed we conceded, but ultimately we are happy with the point and we move on.”
Palace have conceded 17 goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League games this season, with only Sheffield United (19) losing more.
This will no doubt be one of the pressing issues for Glasner to address.
Profligate Everton seal important point
Onana’s header salvaged a crucial draw for Everton amidst an anxious atmosphere at Goodison Park.
Despite creating promising opportunities, Sean Dyche’s team appeared on the verge of paying the price for their profligacy when Ayew put Palace in front.
Calvert-Lewin’s goal drought continued, extending to 19 appearances across all competitions for Everton, as he squandered two clear-cut chances.
In the second half, another exquisite delivery from McNeil found Calvert-Lewin, who once again missed the target with his header. The presence of Palace defender Richards may have disrupted his efforts, but a sharper Calvert-Lewin would likely have capitalized on the opportunity.
Set pieces have been pivotal for Everton this season, accounting for 52% of their league goals, owing to the aerial prowess within their squad.
McNeil, with his fifth assist of the season – more than any other Everton player – provided the crucial cross that led to Onana’s header, finally converting one of his exceptional deliveries.
Next up for the Toffees is a trip to Brighton on Saturday (15:00 GMT), where they aim to halt an eight-match winless streak in the league.