Christian Benteke provided possibly the only positive for Crystal Palace in a disappointing trip to Everton on Saturday.
The Belgian forward netted his first goal since April last year to temporarily draw the scores level at Goodison Park.
Picking up Wilfried Zaha’s through ball, the 29-year-old drilled his low effort under Jordan Pickford, who may have felt he should’ve done better.
It may not have been the ‘worldy’ Benteke would’ve been hoping for when breaking his luckless run, but he’ll certainly take it.
"It has been the hardest period of my time in England so far,” Benteke said.
“It has not been easy, but every week there is a new chance, and today I seized it.
"I was happy to score.
"But it was frustrating to lose and the mood is bad in the dressing room."
Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin added to Bernard’s opener however to hand the Toffees the points as they continue their resurgence under Carlo Ancelotti.
Defeat leaves Roy Hodgson’s men just six points above the bottom three, and although the dreaded ‘relegation battle’ has yet to be mentioned, it won’t be long before they’re looking over their shoulder.
Despite defeat Palace fans were hopeful that now Benteke has got off the mark this season, and with his injury troubles behind him, that he’ll start showing why Palace were right to cough up the best part of £30million to prise the forward from Liverpool.
Got to say, looked like Benteke had a very good game today. #CPFC
— Chrissy Palace (@ChrissyPalace) February 8, 2020
Benteke scored, had a few runs at goal, got involved, hit the bar, had a point blank header saved by a wonder dive from their keeper.
— GazBod (@gazbod) February 8, 2020
If you're looking for a scapegoat, he ain't it. The archetypal number 9 performance today.#CPFC
His first touch is still like an elephant, he done well today though
— Jamie Russell (@JimRuss1980) February 8, 2020
Over the moon for Benteke, he needed that goal. But I honestly believe we could be in trouble now. We didn't strengthen in the window and now were faced with another defensive Injury. I believe this half of the season is going to be a heartbreaking rollercoaster #cpfc #EVECRY
— Gemma D (@GSwagsta) February 8, 2020
Positives from today’s game: Benteke was brilliant Macca and mcarthy brilliant
— luis (@luis16721896) February 8, 2020
Negatives: zaha woeful
Not got a fixed set piece taker
Seriously need a right back
We haven’t got a win in 2020
Conceded 3- first time since feb#CPFC
Roy out
Totally agree and Benteke has had pelters from fans for not performing. Play to his strengths and he will score, I can’t remember the last time a decent old fashioned cross was delivered into the box. #CPFC
— ━◦•🦅ˢᵗᵉᵛᵉ🦅•◦━²º¹7™ (@zippypooz) February 8, 2020
Townsend needed to come on, if only to take players away from wilf...
— john pike (@elgande52) February 8, 2020
Sam got benteke scoring by crossing the ball.... Its not fucking rocket science.. #cpfc
The only good thing to come out of today was a decent Benteke performance/goal. I swear he’d score shit tons for so many other sides In the league.
— Law Anderson. (@iwaslawanderson) February 9, 2020
Ayew and Benteke could form a good partnership. Remember they played together a couple of times before Batshuayi came in last season and looked good for both of them at the time, considering lack of form
— Danny Dell (@DannyDell97) February 8, 2020
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