Benteke header rescues point for Palace at Everton

Christian Benteke returned to Merseyside with a bang as he rescued a 1-1 draw for Crystal Palace at Everton.

The former Liverpool striker, who left Anfield in the summer transfer window after a disappointing spell with the Reds, provided evidence of just what he can do with the right delivery into the box as he powered home a superb second-half equaliser.

The Belgian's fifth goal in six matches against the Toffees cancelled out compatriot, Romelu Lukaku's stunning first-half free kick as the Eagles denied Ronald Koeman victory in his 100th match as a manager in English football.

Everton could have gone second with a win but Palace were well worth their point and may well feel slightly aggrieved over a couple of key decisions that went against them.

Damien Delaney was penalised for a high boot on Phil Jagielka for the free kick that led to the opening goal, despite a hand ball from the Blues defender. And Delaney also had a second-half header that would have given them a fourth straight success, ruled out for offside.

Everton may have nicked it late on but Gareth Barry saw a flick-on cleared off the line and Seamus Coleman stabbed over. The result moves the Blues up to third while Alan Pardew's men are seventh.

There may have been a couple of decisions that left Palace irked, but let's focus on the positives and two superb goals. The pre-match billing of Lukaku versus Benteke certainly lived up to the hype. The Everton hitman took his tally to seven in his last five matches for club and country with a rare but sublime free kick, while Benteke showed that he is now settling into a club that are set up to play to his strengths. It's difficult to see how Roberto Martinez can fit them both into his Belgium starting XI but it's certainly worth experimenting as when they are both on song they are a frightening prospect for any defender.

Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace). The striker made it two goals in his last two matches and three in seven so far for Palace with the type of old-fashioned centre forward's header that he was signed for. Led the line well throughout and gave the Everton defenders a difficult night.

EVERTON: Stekelenburg 6, Oviedo 7, Williams 7, Jagielka 7, Coleman 7, Gueye 7, Barry 7, Cleverley 6, Barkley 6, Bolasie 7, Lukaku 8. Subs: Mirallas 5, Funes Mori n/a.

CRYSTAL PALACE: Mandanda 7, Ward 7, Tomkins 7, Delaney 7, Kelly 6, McArthur 7, Ledley 7, Zaha 7, Puncheon 7, Townsend 7, Benteke 8. Subs: Cabaye 5, Lee n/a.

35' - GOAL! EVERTON 1-0 CRYSTAL PALACE. Lukaku curves the ball over the wall and into the corner, leaving Mandanda stranded. Palace will feel hard done by as Jagielka did use his hand instead of his head as he went for the loose ball that led to the free kick.

50' - GOAL! EVERTON 1-1 CRYSTAL PALACE. Benteke peels off to the back post and loops a wonderful header across goal and into the far corner from Ward's deep cross.

52' - EVERTON CHANCE! Bolasie does brilliantly down the left and cuts it back for Idrissa Gueye who should score but smacks his effort straight at a defender on the line.

57' - PALACE GOAL RULED OUT! Delaney heads home a cross from the right but it's ruled out for offside! Replays show he wasn't, but McArthur moved towards the ball on its way into the net. Tough decision for the visitors.

67' - OFF THE LINE! Barry glances on Barkley's left-wing corner but sees his header hacked off the line by Puncheon.

82' - EVERTON CHANCE! Lukaku touches a lovely pass into Coleman who has to rush a stabbed shot that flies over the bar.

Lukaku has now scored four goals in his last five top-flight appearances against Crystal Palace.

It was Lukaku's 65th Premier League goal, but his first in the competition from a direct free-kick.

Benteke has scored five goals in six Premier League appearances against Everton.