Everton’s wretched season continued as fans booed Rafael Benitez’s decision to substitute Richarlison during another defeat at Crystal Palace.
Demarai Gray’s poor pass let in Jordan Ayew, whose pass allowed Conor Gallagher to sweep home his fifth Premier League goal since joining from Chelsea on loan at the start of the season.
At 1-0, manager Benitez replaced Brazil forward Richarlison – who was clearly unhappy to go off – with Salomon Rondon, which provoked an angry reaction from the travelling fans at Selhurst Park.
Four minutes later, James Tomkins made it 2-0 from close range following a corner by Will Hughes, who was making his first start since joining Palace in August.
Rondon’s first goal for Everton gave Benitez’s side hope but Gallagher’s wonderful finish from outside the box in the closing moments secured a thoroughly deserved win that lifts Palace above the Toffees into 12th spot in the Premier League table.
Palace were the more threatening team, with Jordan Pickford forced to save from Ayew and Wilfried Zaha before England midfielder Gallagher struck in the closing stages of the first half.
Everton have won 10 points from losing positions this season but were unable to avoid a fourth defeat in five games and face a daunting return to London on Thursday to take on third-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (19:45 GMT).
