‘Brilliant’… Sky Sports pundit very impressed by 22-year-old Everton player did vs Crystal Palace tonight

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton earned themselves a hard-fought point against Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

Amadou Onana’s second-half goal cancelled out Jordan Ayew’s finish to pull the Toffees above Luton Town and out of the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, Everton’s wait for their first Premier League win of 2024 continues ahead of what could be a significant week.

With 777 Partners still waiting on approval for their proposed takeover and the Premier League set to announce the verdict of the Toffees’ appeal against their ten-point deduction, it’s fair to say matters on the pitch could be deemed less significant.

In a disappointing performance, particularly in the first half, Sean Dyche will be delighted his side rallied to pick up what could be a valuable point come the end of the campaign.

Second-half substitute Onana’s contribution was significant, and the 22-year-old received praise from Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith.

Smith praises “brilliant” Amadou Onana during Everton draw with Crystal Palace

Talking on Sky Sports commentary of the fixture, the former Arsenal striker was full of praise for the Belgian, who climbed highest to head Everton level.

“If it was going to come it had to come from a set piece and particularly a corner,” he said.

“Not Tarkowski this time, it’s the substitute Onana.

“He climbs really well. Brilliant jump from the sub, this. So many bodies in there. It’s not pretty but it’s a valuable one for the Toffees that!”

Sean Dyche substitutes make impact

The Everton boss deserves credit for throwing Onana into the mix during the second half.

Abdoulaye Doucouré’s return to the side didn’t go to plan. The 31-year-old looked a yard off the pace and not up to full match speed. This cannot come as a surprise, considering he’s just returned from a hamstring issue.

Looking ahead to the upcoming clash against Brighton, the Everton boss will surely give the Belgian midfielder a start.

The Toffees’ most recent trip to the South Coast saw one of the club’s best performances in years, something Dyche will be hoping to replicate next Saturday.