LIVERPOOL, England : Crystal Palace dented Everton's hopes of Champions League football next season following a 3-2 away win in the English Premier League on Wednesday.
The Toffees had slipped into fifth place following Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham on Tuesday but could have reclaimed fourth spot with victory at Goodison Park.
Palace took a deserved lead in the 23rd with Jason Puncheon converting for his fourth goal in his last three outings.
And the visitors doubled their lead shortly after the interval, with defender Scott Dann nodding home in the 49th following Yannick Bolasie's cross.
Substitute Steven Naismith reduced the deficit in the 61st before Palace restored their two-goal advantage.
Striker Cameron Jerome struck in the 73rd and despite Kevin Mirallas finding the net late on, Palace held on for a fourth straight win that virtually guarantees another season in the Premier League.