Crystal Palace struggled to break down a 10-man Everton side on Wednesday evening and had to settle for a point.
James McCarthy was sent-off for two bookable offences; but the Eagles failed to fashion clear-cut chances, and when they did Jason Puncheon and Connor Wickham were guilty of missing the clearer chances Palace created.
It was another point which effectively seals their place in the Premier League for another season; and, after the 2016 Palace have had, the four points they have collected against Norwich City and Everton have turned out to be priceless.
Pardew said his attacking players need to ‘fire a bit more’ ahead of upcoming games
Despite controlling the majority of the game; Palace’s attacking players didn’t have that spark to open up a resolute Everton side.
And if it wasn’t for Wayne Hennessey, Palace might have lost. The Welshman made two great stops from Seamus Coleman and Romelu Lakaku in the first-half to keep the game 0-0.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Pardew said: "They created three or four chances, our goalkeeper had to play well tonight.”
Pardew demands more from attacking duo
In Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha they have two of the most exciting wingers in the league, but last night Bolasie had a quiet game. “But at the top of the pitch we need to fire a bit more, particularly Bolasie and Zaha," said the 54-year-old.
It was a promising display in terms of Palace’s defensive qualities, as Hennessey kept another clean-sheet; and that lead to Pardew labelling Palace a "stable and strong" side. But if they can get the likes of Zaha and Bolasie firing ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, it will certainly aid Palace’s cause.
“When those two are firing we are a completely different team and we need to re-energise them," admitted Pardew after what was a frustrating draw against Everton.