Dominic Calvert-Lewin crossed the pitch to give his shirt away to a travelling Blue in a scene that offers hope for the coming games.
At Crystal Palace Calvert-Lewin made his first start since early February after recovering from a frustrating hamstring injury that has hampered Everton's survival efforts. He lasted 90 minutes - longer than the backroom staff anticipated and when he was withdrawn in stoppage time it was for Neal Maupay's fresh legs and not any injury or fitness concern.
The best suggestion the 26-year-old had come through unscathed came on the final whistle. Calvert-Lewin had not disappeared towards the dressing room on his withdrawal nor sought treatment, even precautionary. He waited for the final whistle to blow and when it did he crossed the pitch to go to the furthest corner and thank the away end.
After the dust has settled on the trip to south London, here are a few other talking points and moments beyond the headlines.
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Jordan Pickford ready for another big run-in
Jordan Pickford, captain again in the absence of Seamus Coleman as Dyche retained the leadership order started under Lampard, also went to the Everton supporters and handed over his top and gloves. He was only credited with two saves on Saturday, one of which was an important scrambling stop from Eberechi Eze, but he was crucial as Palace peppered the Everton box in the final stages. It was Pickford's ball that played Holgate into trouble for his second yellow, but beyond that this was another key display by the England number one who made some good saves against Fulham and was exceptional in keeping the defeat to Manchester United to just 2-0.
'Fight Like Your Fans'
The Everton fans were in fine voice once again on Saturday. Having been urged to take their seats early by supporter group The 1878s, the players were cheered on through their warm up. At various points in the match the away end burst into life and provided the soundtrack to events on the pitch. Among them were supporters holding a banner urging the players to ‘Fight Like Your Fans’. Speaking before the game, Dyche acknowledged the support his side had received and the impact it has. That will be clear again on Thursday night when Newcastle United travel to Goodison Park, with The 1878s planning further pre-match displays of support.
Fan tribute as Dyche acknowledges support
Pickford and Calvert-Lewin were not the only key figures to make clear their gratitude. Dyche has spoken of the importance of Everton's supporters over the past week. That will be as crucial as ever in the coming games. While he has always acknowledged their role, he has not typically followed in Frank Lampard's footsteps and gone over to the Gwladys Street or the away end in obvious shows of gratitude after the final whistle. He did not walk all the way over to the travelling support at Selhurst Park but he did walk onto the pitch and went deep enough onto the field to make clear the applause he was giving was dedicated to those who had made the journey and were still in their seats in the far corner from the dugouts.
Glimmers of Tim Cahill amid half-time scenes
The action in front of goal was limited at both ends throughout the 95 minutes of Premier League action. During half-time it was better, however, Palace hosted a penalty shootout competition for children in the crowd and the entertainment they provided was much better than much of the game. When a young Blue slotted home from 12 yards the host dismissed his goal as a “fluke” - he didn’t care, running over to the corner in front of the Everton fans and attacking the corner flag in true Tim Cahill style. When a Palace fan scored soon after, they ran to the away end to ‘shhh’ the travelling crowd in lovely scenes that broke the intensity of the matchday.
Teen striker is the latest to build experience under Dyche
Sean Dyche has given greater opportunities to Everton’s academy starlets in recent weeks. He named current academy players Stanley Mills and Ishe Samuels-Smith in the matchday squad for the home game against Fulham, the first time he had provided such experience to prospects since his appointment in late January. In midweek Sean McAllister and Katia Kouyate were among a select group of players taken to Goodison Park for a training session with first team players. At Crystal Palace another youth player experienced the preparation and excitement of being part of the matchday travelling unit. He did not make the bench, but Francis Okoronkwo was with the group on Saturday. The teenage striker has stepped up from the Under-18s to test himself with Paul Tait’s Under-21s since Tom Cannon departed to Preston North End on loan in January.
Andy Lonergan makes the bench
Sean Dyche named third choice goalkeeper Andy Lonergan on the bench for the first time against Palace. The 39-year-old is yet to make a competitive appearance for Everton, last getting on the pitch when the Blues played Western Sydney Wanderers in November during the Sydney Super Cup, a game Everton won 5-1. He was named alongside Asmir Begovic as Dyche included three goalkeepers in the 20-man matchday group. It was the first time Dyche had included the former Preston player of the year.
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