Everton 1-0 Crystal Palace
by James Nalton
at Goodison Park

AN OUTSTANDING Andre Gomes free-kick just before half time interrupted an FA Cup third-round replay that had been short on quality and saw Everton progress at the expense of Crystal Palace.

Gomes and compatriot Joao Virginia were key to Everton’s progress. Virginia, the club’s back-up goalkeeper, was standing in for Jordan Pickford in a rare rotation in this area by Dyche and made impressive saves at key moments.

Virginia only made his first start of the season in the first attempt to decide a winner from this tie. He has shown he can be relied upon when needed.