Premier League: Everton miss out the chance to hit the top four after defeat to Crystal Palace

Everton and Manchester City failed to take three points from fighting Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

Arsenal beat West Ham United on Tuesday, so Everton needed a win at Goodison Park against Crystal Palace to return to 4th place. However, The Toffees never looked part against a well-organized Tony Pulis’ side. Jason Puncheon opened the scoring in th efirst half and Scott Dann made it two early after the break. Steven Naismith got the hosts back in the game on 61 minutes only to see Cameron Jerome score a third goal twelve minutes later. Kevin Mirallas gave hope to home fans with four minutes to go but it was too late to save the match. Roberto Martinez suffers his sixth Premier League loss with Everton and can postpone his Champions League dreams till next season. Palace, who have won their last four games, may now feel safe being ten points away from relegation.

Manchester City only got a point against struggling Sunderland at Etihad and now lie six points behind Liverpool with one game in hand. Fernandinho opened the scoring after just two minutes, but Connor Wickham netted a brace late on to put City on the brink of a shock defeat. It was Vito Mannone’s howler after Samir Nasri strike that saved the hosts and took two points off poor Sunderland.