Everton’s pursuit of a European qualification spot suffered a setback on Thursday as they twice relinquished the lead in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The result leaves Everton 10th in the Premier League standings, two points shy of the final guaranteed European place with two matches remaining in the season.

James Tarkowski opened the scoring for Everton early on, tapping in from a corner delivered by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Despite opportunities to extend their advantage, Everton were pegged back when Ismaila Sarr capitalized on a mishit clearance by Michael Keane to level the score shortly before halftime. Everton regained the lead within seconds of the second half starting, as Beto produced a composed finish past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson following a threaded ball from Tarkowski.

Crystal Palace, however, responded with sustained pressure as they sought to protect their momentum heading into the UEFA Conference League final on May 27. Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta, who came on after Palace’s recent European semi-final triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk, netted the equalizer in the 77th minute, striking from a cutback by Tyrick Mitchell. Despite late chances for both sides—including a post struck by Palace’s Adam Wharton and a tip-over save denying Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye—the match ended in a stalemate.

Everton manager David Moyes acknowledged the disappointment at dropping points after holding a two-goal lead, but highlighted the progress made by the club following a difficult recent period. “This time last year, most of the questions were about losing 12 players, about to leave Goodison,” Moyes said. “We haven’t had the word relegation too close to us this season. I don’t necessarily see that as success, but I see where Everton have come from. It’s a step up.” He added that while hopes of European qualification remain alive, they appear to be “drifting away” and noted the team’s ongoing struggles to maintain leads late in games.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised his team’s resilience, particularly in the second half, and credited their intensity despite returning from European competition just days before. “In the end it felt like Everton played three days ago. We made so much pressure, created chances and missed a few,” Glasner said. He expressed pride in his players’ mentality and effort ahead of their first major European final appearance.

Ismaila Sarr’s goal was his 20th of the season, underscoring his importance to Palace’s campaign amid the club’s transition following the departures of former key players. Glasner commended Sarr’s consistent contributions, describing him as a constant threat with confidence aligned to the team’s style of play.

The draw leaves Everton’s European ambitions precarious, with the club seeking to build competitiveness at that level, while Crystal Palace shift focus firmly onto their historic European final appearance and winding down their domestic season after four winless league matches.