Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to deliver a blow to Everton’s European hopes as his equaliser grabbed Crystal Palace a 1-1 draw.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team looked set to move level on points with Tottenham in fifth when James Rodriguez – making his first start since the win at Liverpool – found a way past Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, who was in inspired form in denying Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
However, Batshuayi, who had last week accused Roy Hodgson of not trusting him amid a lack of game-time this season, was on hand to level the game with just four minutes remaining.
This latest setback means they have won just one of their last eight home Premier League home games as their form at Goodison Park continues to hold them back.
The result leaves Ancelotti’s side in eighth place, two points behind Tottenham in fifth, albeit they have a game in hand.