Everton six points off top six after draw at Crystal Palace

LONDON: Everton slipped further behind in the race for European football after being held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace on Sunday, leaving David Moyes’ side six points adrift of the Premier League top six with only two matches remaining.

The result extended Everton’s winless run to five league games and left them 10th in the standings on 49 points, dealing another blow to their fading hopes of securing a European place next season.

Despite the setback, manager David Moyes remained optimistic about his team’s progress and refused to rule out a late push.

“It’s amazing that we are actually talking about Everton possibly being in Europe with two games to go, and we’re not out of it yet,” Moyes told the BBC. “It’s getting tougher every game we’re not winning.”

Everton have not featured in the UEFA Champions League for 20 years, while their last appearance in European competition came during the 2017-18 Europa League campaign.

The draw in London keeps Everton mathematically in contention, but their hopes now depend on winning their remaining fixtures and results elsewhere going in their favour.