10-man Everton frustrate Palace

Crystal Palace put 11 points between themselves and the bottom three of the Premier League but were unable to make their advantage count in a goalless draw at home to 10-man Everton on Wednesday.

In a meeting of two FA Cup semifinalists, Everton were a man down at Selhurst Park early in the second half after James McCarthy was sent off. Victory would have all but assured Palace of top-flight survival but the south London side still have some work to do to preserve their Premier League status.

Saturday’s 1-0 win over Norwich City gave Palace their first league win of 2016 and manager Alan Pardew said Wednesday: “I would have taken four points from these last two games. But wow, we should have won.

“Although I’m frustrated, I’m pleased with another good performance. I want my offensive players to be a bit hotter, but I’m pleased with two clean sheets. That point is crucial, as I don’t think those bottom three can catch us now.”

Under-fire Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: “It was a more than decent result. It’s always difficult to cope with direct play. When you do that with 10 men, it is incredibly positive.”