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EPL PHOTOS: Lukaku's late goal saves Everton the blushes at home against Palace

Last updated on: December 08, 2015 09:52 IST

Everton's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring the equalising goal against Crystal Palace during their Barclays English Premier League match at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Monday

IMAGE: Everton's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring the equalising goal against Crystal Palace during their Barclays English Premier League match at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Monday. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku struck a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against a solid CrystalPalace side in an absorbing Premier League match at Goodison Park on Monday.

The Belgium striker, who had earlier twice hit the woodwork, steered the ball home from a deflected Gerard Deulofeu cross in the 81st minute to give the hosts a deserved share of the points.

Palace had taken the lead five minutes earlier thanks to a towering Scott Dann header from a corner after the centre back escaped the marking of midfielder Gareth Barry.

Crystal Palace's Joel Ward is challenged by Everton's Brendan Galloway

IMAGE: Crystal Palace's Joel Ward is challenged by Everton's Brendan Galloway. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The result takes Palace up to sixth place with 23 points from 15 games, above West Ham United and Liverpool on goal difference, while Everton are up to ninth with 22.

Lukaku's equaliser was the least he deserved on a night when he tested the Palace defence to the limit with his powerful running and trickery outside the penalty area.

In the 21st minute he got hold of a loose ball on the edge of the box and curled a left-foot shot against the far post and he also hit the bar in the 78th with a fierce left-foot strike.

Crystal Palace's Scott Dann celebrates scoring the opening goal 

IMAGE: Crystal Palace's Scott Dann celebrates scoring the opening goal. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

In between, Palace striker Connor Wickham almost put Everton ahead just past the hour with a backward header which came back off the bar as he tried to defend a Ross Barkley free-kick.

With the game seemingly set for a draw Dann broke the deadlock but Lukaku had the last word with his 50th Everton goal on his 100th competitive appearance for the club.

Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie takes on Everton's Ramiro Funes Mori

IMAGE: Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie takes on Everton's Ramiro Funes Mori. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

"We had a lot of chances and we were unlucky when we hit the crossbar," Lukaku told Sky Sports.

"After their goal we reacted well, it shows we have great character in the team.

"I'm proud (of reaching 50 goals) but I'm a team performer, so I'm happy with the record but disappointed we didn't get the three points," added Lukaku, who has scored in Everton's last five league games and the last six matches in all competitions. 

Source: REUTERS
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