NEW DELHI: Everton secured a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in a Premier League match on Monday.
The game was notable for the presence of Crystal Palace's new manager, Oliver Glasner, who watched from the stands.
Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for Palace in the second half, shortly after their previous manager, Roy Hodgson, stepped down. However, Everton's Amadou Onana equalized with a powerful header from a corner.
The match lacked overall quality but provided Everton with a crucial point that lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Palace defender Joachim Andersen acknowledged the difficulty of playing away but praised his team's effort.
Everton and Luton Town both have 20 points from 25 games, but Everton have played one more match. Palace currently sit in 15th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.
The visitors impressed with their high-pressing tactics, making it difficult for Everton throughout the game. Although Everton struggled to create clear-cut chances, they capitalized on their strength in set-pieces to score their goal.
Palace had a chance to score from a corner when Jean-Philippe Mateta's header was cleared off the line. However, they eventually took the lead when Ayew fired a shot into the far corner of the net from the edge of the box.
Everton responded by pushing forward, and it was from a corner that Onana scored his third goal of the season.
The draw leaves Everton winless in their last eight Premier League matches.
Despite the disappointment of conceding a late goal, Palace assistant manager Paddy McCarthy commended his team's performance under the new manager's watchful eye.
Palace will be looking to improve their record from corners, as they have yet to score from one this season. Overall, it was a hard-fought match with both teams showing determination and resilience.
(With inputs from Reuters)
