David Moyes has admitted Everton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe are “drifting away” after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Everton twice led in south London but failed to hold on, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring late to rescue a point for Palace and deal another blow to Everton’s push for a top-seven finish.
It extended Everton’s wait for a Premier League win to more than six weeks and continued a pattern that Moyes admitted is becoming costly at the worst time.
Moyes admits Europe is slipping away
Everton looked in control for long spells.
James Tarkowski opened the scoring early before Palace responded through Ismaïla Sarr.
Then, at the start of the second half, Beto produced the standout moment of the match with a powerful solo goal that looked set to be decisive.
But Palace’s late pressure eventually paid off.
After the match, Moyes admitted Everton’s European ambitions are now slipping further from reach.
“I’d hoped we can get us to a level where we can be competitive again at European level. It’s not gone yet but it’s drifting away from us at the moment.”
The Everton manager also acknowledged the bigger picture of the club’s progress.
“This time last year, most of the questions were about losing 12 players, about to leave Goodison. The truth is we’ve not had the word relegation too close to us.”
Another lead lost proves costly
For the second straight week, Everton failed to protect a winning position.
Last weekend, they let points slip late against Manchester City, and the same issue resurfaced again against Palace.
Moyes did not hide his frustration.
“I’m using the word disappointing again that we couldn’t hang on. Especially after we went 2-1 up.”
Having followed Everton’s season closely, their progress under Moyes has been clear, but game management in decisive moments remains an issue.
That has directly impacted their push for European qualification.
Beto shines but Everton miss attacking edge
Beto’s second-half goal was one of Everton’s best individual moments of the campaign, combining strength and composure to beat Dean Henderson.
But Moyes admitted Everton lacked the final attacking quality to finish Palace off.
He pointed to key attacking players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye as players who have dipped slightly in front of goal.
That placed greater responsibility on Beto and Thierno Barry to carry the attacking load.
However, it remains too early to say Everton’s European push is over entirely.
Much will depend on results around them and whether they can finish strongly.
Palace boss Glasner pleased with response
Oliver Glasner was full of praise for Palace’s energy levels after Thursday’s European semi-final success.
Despite heavy rotation demands, Palace ended the stronger side.
“I am pleased with the performance, especially in the second half. I am really proud of the team’s effort and the belief we had.”
Palace’s resilience continues to stand out as they build momentum towards their upcoming European final.
What’s next?
Everton now face a critical final stretch where dropped points can no longer be afforded if European qualification is to remain realistic.
For Moyes, the focus will be on turning performances into wins and solving the late-game problems that have repeatedly hurt his side.
For Palace, attention will increasingly shift toward their historic European final while maintaining league momentum.
Can Everton keep their European hopes alive, or has the opportunity already slipped?
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