It was a dull outing once more in the FA Cup against Crystal Palace, but luckily a moment of excellence from Andre Gomes won the game.
The two sides that slugged out a 0-0 draw two weeks ago in FA Cup action did so again on Wednesday night. Neither side looked like they wanted to progress as Sean Dyche was cancelled out by Roy Hodgson and vice versa.
For Everton, the game was won by a single moment of brilliance which saw Andre Gomes score the side’s first free kick in 1603 days, stretching back to August 2019.
But there was another positive from the game for the Goodison Park faithful who were watching on in temperatures of close to -3 degrees Celsius.
That positive was Joao Virginia who was incredible between the sticks for Everton and played a massive role in getting Dyche’s side over the line. Now fans have been reacting.
Everton fans react to Joao Virginia’s display vs Palace
Taking to X after the game, Everton supporters were all in agreement over one man’s performance which was truly stunning.
“Excellent tonight, Joao”, one fan wrote, while a second added a more elaborate message, “massive shoutout to Joao Virginia tonight, made some really important saves to get us over the line”.
The praise continued, “This lad was my absolute highlight tonight. Absolutely over the moon for him. Joao Virgínia everyone.”
Two more fans then labelled the backup goalkeeper as the games man of the match, “Joao Virgínia MOTM tonight didn’t put a foot wrong, quick off his line and two big saves late on”.
A second continued this sentiment, “Joao Virginia a huge positive from tonight, a superb performance from the lad, my MOTM.”
Lastly, one fan clearly enjoyed his night and was feeling the love for Virginia as they wrote: “County Road, take me home, to a place I belong, Joao Virginia!”
Sean Dyche was also impressed by Virginia’s performance
It wasn’t just fans who were raving about Virginia, with the Everton boss also having his say on his second-choice keeper.
Dyche was speaking post-game on Virginia: “I think he’s moved on a long way this season even though you haven’t seen him. I’m pleased for him. He’s a top pro around the group.”
Virginia has proved himself now and should give Dyche full confidence to play him in the fourth round against Luton Town.
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