In a frigid atmosphere at Goodison Park, Everton’s midfielder Andre Gomes broke a nearly five-year goal drought on home soil with a spectacular free-kick, securing a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third-round replay.
The dreary match failed to ignite the 37,796 hardy fans in attendance, given the sub-zero temperatures, but Gomes’ strike emerged as the standout moment. Remarkably, it marked Everton’s first direct free-kick goal in 197 games, ending a run that extended back to August 2019.
Gomes, initially fouled by Jeffrey Schlupp 25 yards from goal, demonstrated composure and skill as he stepped up to take the free-kick. The Portuguese midfielder expertly curled the ball over the defensive wall, and it found the back of the net off the post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The significance of Gomes’ goal extended beyond breaking his own goalless streak at Goodison Park, reaching back further than Lucas Digne’s set-piece against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup in August 2019.
Despite the lackluster performance of both teams, Gomes’ goal was well worth the wait. The victory marked Everton’s first third-round triumph over top-flight opposition since 1988 when they defeated Sheffield Wednesday.
Crystal Palace, with a winter break that provided a two-week preparation period from the original tie, found themselves outplayed by an Everton side whose break was significantly shortened due to the replay. Manager Sean Dyche, making four changes from the previous goalless draw with Aston Villa, faced challenges with two enforced changes, as Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure were nursing injuries, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was rested. The win for Everton signaled a positive turn in their FA Cup campaign, adding a spark to an otherwise chilly evening at Goodison Park.
