Everton manager Sean Dyche wants a “speedier” verdict for “the good of football” on their appeal against a 10-point deduction after they boosted their Premier League survival hopes with a late draw against Crystal Palace.
Dyche spoke out after his side climbed out of the relegation zone with a point secured by Amadou Onana’s 84th-minute header.
The result took Everton up to 17th, above Luton on goal difference.
They had 10 points deducted by an independent commission in November for financial rule breaches, but lodged an appeal the following month. No date for the appeal hearing has yet been confirmed.
“I don’t know the dates, we’re just waiting. For the good of football, I think it needs to be speedier for everyone,” Dyche said after the match.
“I don’t think anyone wants them dragged out, whatever it’s going to be, let’s get on with it. It’s not in my hands, though. Who knows [when we’ll find out].”
Onan’s headed equaliser came after Jordan Ayew had scored for Palace, who announced earlier on Monday that Roy Hodgson has stepped down as manager.
Glasner replaces Hodgson
Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner has replaced Hodgson, 76, who was taken ill during training on Thursday but is now out of hospital.
Ghana forward Ayew thumped a superb strike into the far corner past home goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and looked to have sealed three points for Palace before Onana’s late intervention.
Everton’s best chance of the first half came when Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose between two Palace defenders but his header from a Dwight McNeil cross went wide of the post.
Chris Richards and Jean-Philippe Mateta had headers blocked on the line by Everton defenders James Tarkowski and Ashley Young before Palace went ahead.
Tarkowski’s header from a corner was saved by Sam Johnstone who then reacted well to deny Abdoulaye Doucoure at the near post.
Palace concede late again
The past few days have been eventful for Crystal Palace, with widespread reports last Thursday that Hodgson was set to be sacked, and the former England manager taken ill later that morning.
The club confirmed on Monday that he was “now out of hospital and doing well”.
Hodgson’s assistants Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington led the team against Everton with new manager Glasner watching in the stands alongside chairman Steve Parish.
Glasner has signed a contract until June 2026 and will take charge for the first time when Palace host Burnley on Saturday.
The Eagles move up to 15th with a draw but will be disappointed not to seal a win as they conceded in the closing stages once more.
After Ayew’s goal, they did not push forward as much and were duly punished by a determined Everton side.
“It was a wonderful goal by Jordan Ayew, but we couldn’t hold on,” said McCarthy.
“We knew Everton would hold us to some questions from set plays and I am disappointed we conceded, but ultimately we are happy with the point and we move on.”
Palace have conceded 17 goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League games this season, with only Sheffield United (19) losing more.
This will no doubt be one of the pressing issues for Glasner to address.
Profligate Everton seal important point
Onana’s header secured a vital draw for Everton in front of a restless Goodison crowd.
Sean Dyche’s side looked like they would be punished for wasting good opportunities when Ayew gave Palace the lead.
Calvert-Lewin has now gone 19 appearances without scoring in all competitions for Everton and missed two great chances to get back among the goals.
In the second half, another superb ball was delivered by McNeil and Calvert-Lewin headed wide once more. Palace defender Richards’ presence may have put him off but an in-form Calvert-Lewin would surely have converted the chance.
52% of Everton’s league goals this season have come from set pieces and it is no wonder with the aerial presence in their side.
McNeil provided the assist – his fifth of the season, more than any other Everton player – for Onana’s header as one of his excellent crosses was finally converted.
The Toffees travel to Brighton on Saturday (15:00 GMT) as they look to end an eight-match winless run in the league.
