Match Coverage

Phil Jagielka says one Everton player will actually be worried after Crystal Palace win

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Everton continued their fine form under David Moyes, beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Toffees won 2-1 at Selhurst Park, with Beto and Carlos Alcaraz on target for the visitors.

Everton’s win meant they’ve done the double over Palace for the first time since the 2004/05 season, but David Moyes will only be elated about the three points.

The result has sent Everton 13 clear of the drop zone, and it is now looking very likely that the Toffees will be moving into their new stadium next season as a Premier League club.

Moyes has breathed new life into this team, with the Scot getting a tune out of so many players who were previously struggling.

But new signing Carlos Alcaraz also looks a real prospect – and Phil Jagielka reckons one Everton player will have been slightly worried watching him yesterday.

Phil Jagielka says Abdoulaye Doucoure may fear losing his place for Everton

Everton v AFC Bournemouth - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

After signing for Everton on transfer deadline day, Alcaraz made two substitute appearances before being handed a start last night against Palace.

With Abdoulaye Doucoure getting sent off against Liverpool, the door swung wide open for him to play as a number 10.

And Alcaraz – who Everton fans have already made up a chant for – impressed, assisting Beto on the first goal, before scoring himself.

Alcaraz supplied three ‘key’ passes, and created two ‘big’ chances at Selhurst and his display will certainly have Moyes thinking hard about his next starting XI.

For former Toffee Steven Pienaar, Alcaraz looks a ‘quality’ signing.

For Jagielka though, the Argentine’s performance will have Doucoure worried.

He said on Sky Sports after yesterday’s game: “He (Alcaraz) will fit in perfectly. And the interesting aspect now is he’s been given a game today potentially because Doucoure got a suspension from after the (Liverpool) game.

“I’m sure Doucoure will be at home really, really happy. But also really aware that obviously there’s going to be a lot of fight for that position just behind Beto.”

Carlos Alcaraz must keep his place for Everton

Doucoure has played as a number 10 several times this season for Everton without impressing.

The Frenchman has played further forward due to a lack of other options, but it’s not a role that has particularly suited him and his work-rate.

Carlos Alcaraz stats vs Crystal Palace
Minutes played – 86
Goals – 1
Assists – 1
Touches – 38
Passes completed – 19/23 (83%)
‘Key’ passes – 3
‘Big’ chances created – 2
Shots on target – 3

Against Palace, Alcaraz was impressive and looked more at home just behind Beto. It’s a position he has more experience of playing than Doucoure, and Moyes ought to stick with him.

Alan Shearer reckons there’s an exciting partnership brewing between Alcaraz and Beto, and Moyes may now want to let that blossom, which would be bad news for Doucoure.

With James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye looking good as the holding pair, Doucoure may now have to settle for a bench role.