Everton hold Palace in FA Cup
Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin was controversially sent off as his side held on for a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round on Thursday. Calvert-Lewin saw red after a VAR review of the England striker's studs-up foul on Nathaniel Clyne late in the second half at Selhurst Park. Calvert-Lewin made only slight contact with Clyne's leg while winning the ball and Everton boss Sean Dyche was furious with the decision by referee Chris Kavanagh after a long VAR check. They also lost winger Dwight McNeil to a serious-looking injury in the closing stages, but Dyche's team held on through nine minutes of stoppage-time to force a replay at Goodison Park later in January. Deputising for the rested Jordan Pickford, Everton keeper Joao Virginia had to make an early save to repel Jeffrey Schlupp's half-volley. Everton went close when Jack Harrison took Arnaut Danjuma's flick and broke clear for a shot that forced a fine save from Dean Henderson. And Henderson had to be alert moments later, saving with his foot after James Garner's corner nearly sneaked in at the near post. Schlupp's cross was cleared off the line by Vitaliy Mykolenko before Palace's Jefferson Lerma smashed narrowly over from the edge of the area. Eberechi Eze threatened to break the deadlock early in the second half, but the Palace winger's effort was turned behind by Virginia, who clutched Lerma's header from the resulting corner. Calvert-Lewin got his marching orders in the 79th minute following his debatable foul on Clyne, but Everton stood firm to ensure no more damage was done. (AFP)